ePOS printing

ABSTRACT

A script language compatible with HTML is used to define methods or objects capable of communicating directly with an intelligent module for printing operations without going through a web browser&#39;s print selection option. A print API library provides the needed methods/objects for creating an HTML print document, and converting it to raster image data using a user-selected conversion method. The intelligent module may function to provide a communication bridge for conveying communication between a web page on a user terminal and a target printer. The print API knows the IP address of the intelligent module, and sends a created print document directly to the intelligent module by means of the known IP address. The API may be part of an application that provides tools for visually creating or editing an HTML document without the user knowing how to program in HTML.

CONTINUING APPLICATION DATA

This application is a division of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 on, application Ser. No. 14/703,666, filed on May 4, 2015, which isa continuation of application Ser. No. 13/955,332, filed on Jul. 31,2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,052,863, issued Jun. 9, 2015, which claims thebenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to provisional applicationNo. 61/683,009, filed Aug. 14, 2012. The content of each suchapplication is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to printing over a TCP/IP network. Morespecifically, it relates to printing in a point-of-sale (POS) network.

Description of Related Art

Network printing refers to the sharing of printing resources on acomputer network. An early application of network printing is the printserver, or printer server, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A printer server 11is a device that connects a client computer 13 a with a printer 15 a ona common computer network 17. That is, client computer 13 a sends aprint job to printer server 11; printer server 11 receives and holds(i.e., spools) the print job; and when printer 15 a becomes available,printer server 11 sends the held print job to printer 15 a for printing.It is to be understood that printer sever 11 may manage multiple printjobs from multiple client computers 13 a through 13 n among multipleprinters 15 a through 15 i, and that the computer network may includingboth wired and wireless communication links. Individual printers 15 athrough 15 i may be local printers and/or network printers, and may beconnected directly to print server 11 via a direct cable connection(such as a by a parallel cable, USB cable, proprietary cable, etc.) orby a wired network connection (IEEE 802.11 on standardized networkcategory cable (i.e., CAT 5, 5e, 6), etc.) or by a wireless networkconnection (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n, etc.) or by another known wirelesscommunication link (Bluetooth, HomeRF, HyperLan, etc.)

Printer server 11 is responsible for queuing (i.e., spooling) print jobswhile it waits for a target printer to become available. It may also beresponsible for re-ordering or deleting print jobs in its queue, keepingtrack of printer activity (such as the number of pages printed, the timeof printing, etc.). As a result, printer server 11 generally supportsmultiple industry standards and/or proprietary printing protocols, andthus may also include printer drivers for each printer under itsmanagement. Although printer servers are well suited for privatenetworks, as the industry has moved toward using the prolific internetprotocol TCP/IP for both public and private networks, it has becomedesirable to incorporate printing capabilities in public networksthrough internet interfaces.

The “web browser” is a popular internet interface (commonly used on theWorldwide Web, i.e., WWW or Internet), which displays “web pages” basedon the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). A markup language is atext-based language system that uses “tags” to providemachine-executable instructions in a textual format that is legible by ahuman reader. For example, tags may instruct the web browser about howto format information for display on a web page (i.e., how to displaythe web page information on a display screen), or to specify a desiredexecutable function.

As the Internet grew, it became desirable to provide more functionalitythan was available on early versions of HTML. To address this need, theJava language was adapted to provide fully contained machine code thatcould be embedded within an HTML web page. These small applicationsbecame known as applets. Java is a full-feature, object orientedprogramming (i.e., OOP) language used in many applications, such as incontrol applications for small devices and appliances.

Companies that created Java applications to control their devices wantedto ease adoption of their devices by third-party manufactures withoutreleasing proprietary information regarding the control programs oftheir devices. This was achieved by the use of application programinterface (API) libraries that provided simplified interfaces to theircontrol applications, and thereby simplified the adoption of theircontrol programs by third-party manufacturers. Basically, an API is aset of common code pieces with specified input and output requirements,such as are found in objects or classes in OOP languages, and whichprovide an interface to a coded application. In this manner, a user doesnot need to re-code a specific software tool or even to know how thesoftware tool is coded. The user merely needs to know how to invoke thesoftware tool, pass it any specified parameters, let it execute thedesired function, and receive any specified output. Although Java madeweb pages more dynamic, Java applications (and applets) are compiledprograms that are provided in machine code, not script, and aretherefore not readily legible by a human user. Thus, the use of appletsreduced the readability of HTML code.

JavaScript, which provides some of the dynamic capabilities of Java in ascript-language form, addresses this issue. Since JavaScript is a scriptlanguage, HTML can execute JavaScript code without the JavaScript codebeing pre-processed (i.e., compiled), and thus it remains in a script(i.e., textual) form. Like Java applets, JavaScript may be embeddedwithin an HTML web page, and the web browser will execute it when theHTML web page is downloaded or in response to a triggering event.JavaScript permits a web page to dynamically modify its content or addcontent to a current web page or send content from that web page.JavaScript, and other script languages, permit web pages to become moreinteractive by providing a bridge between the web browser and theoperating system on which the web browser is running. This permits a webpage to incorporate information from the user's local deviceenvironment, such the device's location and other user information thatthe web browser and/or operating system deem safe to provide to the webpage.

With the adoption of JavaScript, software developers began providingcomplete script applications designed to execute specific tasks. Whenthese script applications are packaged as a unit for insertion into aweb page, they are sometimes termed “widgets”. Since each widget is as acomplete script code, it may have a set of expected inputs and a list ofpossible outputs, in a manner similar to how inputs and outputs are usedin Java applets. As a result, APIs have also been developed for scriptcodes. For example, a company may produce a library of script codes tooperate with a specific device and provide a list of API's thatfacilitate the integration of their script codes into a third partydeveloper's code. Thus, the third party developer does not need tounderstand how the company's device works or know how to program it; thethird party developer can quickly insert control of the company's deviceby using their provided API's and/or widgets (i.e., script codes).

This leads to the topic of printing from a web browser, i.e., HTMLprinting. Most web browsers provide a print function on their toolbar(i.e., a visual list of selectable “software-buttons” for invokingdifferent tasks), and when a user selects this print function, the webbrowser accesses the local device's printer through the print APIs ofthe local device's operating system. That is, the web browser does notknow what type of printing capabilities are available to the device onwhich it is running, if any, and the operating system does not sharethis information with the web browser for security reasons. Thus, inorder for the web browser to print, it must pass this function requestto the operating system, which it may do by calling up the operatingsystem's print interface.

Consequently, printing from a webpage requires going through a printerdialogue box, as is illustrated in FIG. 2. The printer dialogue box 19provides printer information and provides options for a user to selectfrom to format the printed document. These options are determined fromthe printer's capabilities, which are in turn provided by the printerdriver. For example, printer dialogue box 19 may provide aprinter-select option 21 to select among multiple available printers.Boxes 21 a through 21 c may provide information about the selectedprinter, such as its status, type and location, respectively. Otheroptions may include a choice of printing in black-and-white or color, asindicated by selection button 23. A user may also enter a range of pagesto be printed, and/or select a paper type or paper orientation, asindicated by selection buttons 25 and 27.

Some web browsers may provide a quick-print option wherein a currentlydisplayed web page is sent for printing without the use of a printerdialogue box by instead sending the printing request to a defaultprinter and accepting all the printer's default settings. This requestis sent to the local operating system's print API, and if it supportsquick printing and it has default print and its default settingsassigned, then it will accept the webpage for printing. Unfortunately,the entire web page is sent for printing. Thus, web page developers haveno control over how, or what part of, a web page is printed, or whatmaterial, in general, is printed. The web page developers also do notknow what printers are available or their print-capabilities, nor do theweb developers know what the individual printer's default settings mightbe. To summarize, the web browser goes through the local device'soperating system (OS), and assumes that on the local OS will access theappropriate printer driver.

The XML printer has been developed to reduce the reliability on printerdrivers, and to have more control over the formatting of printeddocuments. The XML printer is not limited to web pages, and can serve asa local virtual printer. That is, it responds to a print request as ifit were a physical printer, but instead of producing a physical printeddocument, it produces a script-language description of how the printeddocument should look. This is similar to how the HTML script language isused to define the look and format of a web page on a display screen.This script-language description can then be sent to a physical printerthat supports XML printing to produce a physical print-out. XML printersare typically used to maintain consistency of printing across differentplatforms and document formats. For example, an XML print document filewould assure that a document prepared in Microsoft Word™ would print thesame as the same document prepared in Adobe Acrobat™.

Thus, if one has an XML print document file and a printer (or printerdriver) capable of reading XML print document files, one may send theXML print document file to the printer without need of printer driverrequirements. The printer (or its printer driver) would read thescripted description of how the document should look, and generate itsown print image for printing. Although the XML printer reduces thereliance on printer drivers, and thus facilitates printing on a network,it does not provide any additional printing control to the web pagedeveloper. That is, the web page developer still cannot control printingfrom within a script application, or widget, but instead relies on theweb browser as a print interface.

JavaScript does not provide any assistance in this matter. Although theweb browser may interface with the local operating system to access thelocal printer's API or call upon an XML printer to create an XML printdocument, for security reasons the web browser does not share thisinformation with its Java scripts. That is, the job of the JavaScript istraditionally to define information on a web page and to provide dynamicfunctionality; it is not the Java script's job to print documents. It isthe web browser's job to control the print function, and thus it doesnot share this control with internal script applications. As a result,heretofore a JavaScript application cannot directly control a printer.It must instead request that the web browser make a print request, whichin turn relays the request to the local OS, which then calls up theprint dialogue box to setup a local/network printer (real or virtual).

In spite of these difficulties, strides have been made toward providingweb-printing, i.e., printing over the Internet. For example, theInternet Printing Protocol (IPP) provides a standard network protocolfor remote printing over the internet, which removes the need forindividual print drivers on each user's machine. IPP provides controlover various printing needs, such as managing print jobs, media size,resolution, etc, and is intended to provide users with similar methodsand operations as if the printer were local. Basically, IPP is acollection of open standards that define a network printing protocol,and if a printer vendor has adopted this standard, then IPP allows auser to interact with that vendor's printer in real-time in order tofind out about the printer's capabilities, inquire about the status of aprint job or cancel a print job that has been submitted. As in the caseof a local printer, this dialogue would be through a printer dialoguebox.

Another approach toward providing internet printing is known as GoogleCloud Printing™, or GCP. This is a service provided by Google™ Corp.,and it basically permits developers to incorporate printing capabilitiesinto their web pages and services by sending print requests to GoogleCorp, letting Google Corp. prepare print jobs (limited to PDF printjobs) and forward them to a user's pre-registered printer. Google™ Corp.provides an API to permit developers to quickly insert the requiredcode, and it uses a standard printing dialogue box to create and submitPDF print jobs. As it would be understood, this means that Google hasaccess to all documents to be printed, which raises questions ofsecurity and privacy for users. It is further note that anotherlimitation of this service is that it requires that thedocument-to-be-printed already be on the web, and not just on the user'scomputer. Thus, the service cannot be used to print locally generateddocuments that are not on the web.

What is needed is a way to increase a user's control over printing fromwithin a web browser.

It is further preferred that developer have direct access to, andcontrol over, a printer directly through a script application, such as aJavaScript widget, without having to send a print request to a local webbrowser.

It also desired that a script application within web page be able todirectly generate and format the information to be printed, and to sendthe information directly to a printer without necessitating a printdialogue box, or being limited by the content within the web page.

It is further desired that a user have direct web printing capabilitieswithout depending upon any third party entity to manage print jobs.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The above objects are met in a method for creating a document in a webapplication, and sending the document to a printer over a network, theweb application executed by a web browser, the method comprising stepsof: providing an intelligent module adapted to connect to the printer,the intelligent module configured to be set a network address, toreceive the document, and to send the document to the printer; embeddingan application program interface (API) in the web application, the APIproviding: (i) a first object for creating the document, the objectincluding a command buffer, (ii) a first method element for processingthe first object, the first method element being configured to addcommands for controlling the printer into the command buffer, andcreating the document according to the commands in the command buffer,(iii) a second object for sending the document, (iv) an address propertyelement configured to designate the network address of the intelligentmodule, and (v) a second method element for processing the secondobject, the second method element configured to send the createddocument to the intelligent module over the network; setting the networkaddress of the intelligent module into the address property element;creating the document by use of the first method element embedded in theweb application; sending the document, by use of the second methodelement embedded in the web application, to the intelligent modulehaving the network address designated by the address property element;and sending the document from the intelligent module to the printer.

Preferably, the API includes a first constructor for initializing thefirst object, and a second constructor for initializing the secondobject, the method further comprising steps of initializing the firstobject before the step of creating the document, and initializing thesecond object before the step of sending the document.

The method may further comprise, after the step of sending the documentfrom the intelligent module to the printer, a step of printing thedocument on a paper in the printer.

Preferably, the API further provides: (vi) a receive event elementconfigured to obtain a printer response message including one of a printresult, an error code or a printer status, from the printer; the methodfurther comprising: a step of receiving a printer response message fromthe printer using the receive even element, the printer being connectedto the intelligent module designated by the address property element,the second object being initialized before the step of receiving theprinter response message.

Preferably, the printer is directly wire-connected to the intelligentmodule.

Additionally, in the method, one of the commands for controlling theprinter is an image command for adding a raster image for printing, tothe command buffer; and the API includes a half tone property element,and a color image rendered in the web application is converted into theraster image for printing, by the image command, according to a settingof the halftone property element.

Further preferably, the halftone property element specifies either oneof a dithering, an error diffusion, and a threshold for converting thecolor image into the raster image.

Preferably, the API includes a brightness property element, and thecolor image is converted into the raster image for printing, by theimage command, according to a setting of the brightness propertyelement, the brightness property element specifying a gamma value in therange 0.1-10 for correcting the brightness of the raster image data.

Further preferably, one of the commands is a page mode command foradding an instruction of switching to a page mode to the command buffer,and adding a print area in the page mode to the command buffer, the pagemode command including a coordinate specifying the print area, and

a second of the commands is a second page mode command for adding aninstruction of ending the page mode to the command buffer.

In this case, a third of the commands is a third page command for addinga setting for the page mode, to the command buffer, the third pagecommand including a third page parameter specifying a direction for theprinting in the page mode, or a coordinate specifying a start positionfor the printing in the page mode.

Alternatively, one of the commands is a page mode command for adding aninstruction of switching to a page mode to the command buffer, andadding a print area in the page mode to the command buffer, the pagemode command including a coordinate specifying the print area; and aanother of the commands is a forth page command for adding aninstruction of drawing a line or a rectangle in the page mode, to thecommand buffer, the forth page command including coordinates specifyinga start position and an end position of the line or the rectangle in thepage mode.

In this case, the forth page command includes a forth page parameterspecifying a type of the line or the rectangle.

Preferably, one of the commands is a text command for adding a text forprinting to the command buffer; one of the commands is a text settingcommand for adding a parameter for setting a property of the text, tothe command buffer; and the text setting command includes a first textsetting parameter specifying at least one of a start position, analignment, a language, a font, a style, a scale, or a size of the text.

Additionally, one of the commands is a text command for adding a textfor printing to the command buffer; one of the commands is a textsetting command for adding a parameter for setting a property of thetext, to the command buffer; and the text setting command includes asecond text setting parameter specifying whether to rotate the text, orwhether to enable smoothing the text.

The above objects are also met in a method for sending an image renderedin a hypertext markup language, to a printer, and printing the image bythe printer, the method comprising steps of; providing an intelligentmodule adapted to connect to the printer, the intelligent moduleconfigured to be set a network address; embedding an application programinterface (API) in a web application, the API providing: (i) a firstproperty element configured to designate a conversion method forconverting the rendered image into raster image data, (ii) a secondproperty element configured to designate the network address of theintelligent module, and (iii) a method element configured to convert therendered image into the raster image data and send the converted rasterimage data to the intelligent module; converting the image into theraster image data by use of the method element, according to theconversion method designated by the first property element; sending theraster image data to the intelligent module by use of the methodelement, according to the address designated by the second propertyelement; and sending the raster image data from the intelligent moduleto the printer.

In this case, the image may be rendered in HTML5 Canvas.

The above objects may also be met in a method for creating or editing adocument in an application, the document adapted to be sent to a printerthrough a network, the application adapted to be executed by a webbrowser, the method comprising steps of providing commands forcontrolling the printer adapted to be added into a command buffer, andthe document being created by executing the commands in the commandbuffer; displaying a setting screen enabled to set a network address ofthe printer into an address property element; displaying an edit screenenabled to edit or create the document, the edit screen including icons,each of the icons corresponding to one of the commands for controllingthe printer; in response to selecting one of the icons, displaying, onthe edit screen, an input box enabled to input a parameter of thecommand corresponding to the selected icon; adding the commandcorresponding to the selected icon and its parameter if inputted in theedit screen, to the command buffer.

This method may further include a step of converting the document editedor created on the edit screen to code written in an extensible markuplanguage, and displaying the code.

The method may further include a step of converting a first portion ofthe document edited or created on the edit screen to a print preview,and displaying the print preview.

The method may further include a step of displaying a button for sendingthe document to the printer having the address designated by the addressproperty element.

The above objects may also be met in a method for creating a document ina web application, and sending the document to a printer throughnetwork, the web application executed by a web browser, the methodcomprising steps of: providing an intelligent module adapted to connectto the printer, the intelligent module configured to be set an address,to receive the document, and to send the document to the printer;embedding an application program interface (API) in the web application,the API providing an address property element configured to designatethe address of the intelligent module, a first method element configuredto add commands for controlling the printer into a command buffer andcreating the document by accumulating the commands in the commandbuffer, and a second method element configured to send the document tothe intelligent module; creating the document by means of the firstmethod element embedded in the web application; sending the document, bymeans of the second method element embedded in the web application, tothe intelligent module having the address designated by the addressproperty element; and sending the document from the intelligent moduleto the printer.

Preferably, the web application is placed in the intelligent module or aweb server, and the intelligent module is an electronic device.

The method may further comprise a step of printing the document on apaper in the printer. One of the commands may be a text command foradding text for printing to the command buffer. Additionally, one of thecommands may be a text setting command for adding a parameter forsetting a property of the text, to the command buffer. The text settingcommand may include a first text setting parameter specifying at leastone of a start position, an alignment, a language, a font, a style, ascale, or a size of the text. The text command may also include a secondtext setting parameter specifying whether to rotate the text, or whetherto enable smoothing the text.

One of the commands may also be a paper feed command for adding aninstruction of feeding the paper in the printer, to the command buffer.

Additionally, one of the commands may be an image command for adding araster image for printing, to the command buffer.

Preferably, the API includes a half tone property element, and the imagecommand converts a color image rendered in the web application into theraster image data for printing according to a setting of the halftoneproperty element. The halftone property element may specify either oneof a dithering, an error diffusion, and a threshold for converting thecolor image into the raster image data.

Further preferably, the API includes a brightness property element, andthe image command converts the color image into the raster image datafor printing according to a setting of the brightness property element.The brightness property element may, for example, specify a gamma valuein the range 0.1-10 for correcting the brightness of the raster imagedata.

In a preferred embodiment, the printer includes a non-volatile, i.e.,NV, memory for registering a logo identifiable by key code, and whereinthe command includes a logo command for adding a key code to the commandbuffer for printing the logo, the added key code specifying (i.e.,identifying) the logo registered in the NV memory.

One of the commands may also be a barcode command for adding aninstruction of printing a barcode, to the command buffer, said barcodecommand including a barcode parameter, the barcode parameter specifyingat least one of a type of the barcode, width and height of the barcode,and/or data to be converted to the barcode.

Additionally, one of the commands may also a symbol command for addingan instruction of printing a two-dimensional symbol, to the commandbuffer, said symbol command including a symbol parameter, the symbolparameter specifying at least one of a type of the two-dimensionalsymbol, an error correction level of the two-dimensional symbol, or datato be converted to the two-dimensional symbol.

The commands may also include a first line command for adding to thecommand buffer an instruction of drawing a first line in a firstdirection and a second line command for adding to the command buffer aninstruction of drawing a second line in a second direction, the firstline command including a first line parameter specifying a startposition and an end position of the first line to define it as a linesegment, and the second line command including a second line parameterspecifying a start position of the second line and excluding any endposition of the second line to define it as a continuous line.Preferably, another of the commands is a third line command for addingan instruction of finishing drawing the second line, which is started bythe second line command, the third line command including a third lineparameter, the third line parameter specifying an end position of thesecond line.

Further preferably, one of the commands is a page mode command foradding an instruction of switching to a page mode to the command buffer,said page mode being a print mode wherein a print area is defined, datais laid out in the print area, and the print area is printed in a batchoperation, said page mode command further adding instructions for addingthe print area to the command buffer including a coordinate specifyingthe print area. Preferably, one of the commands is a second page modecommand for adding an instruction of ending the page mode to the commandbuffer. The commands may further include a third page command for addinga setting for the page mode, to the command buffer, the third pagecommand including a third page parameter specifying a direction for theprinting in the page mode, or a coordinate specifying a start positionfor the printing in the page mode. The commands may further include aforth page command for adding an instruction of drawing a line or arectangle in the page mode, to the command buffer, the forth pagecommand including coordinates specifying a start position and an endposition of the line or the rectangle in the page mode. The forth pagecommand may include a forth page parameter specifying a type of the lineor of the rectangle.

Additionally, one of the commands may be a paper cut command for addingan instruction of cutting the paper, to the command buffer, said papercut command including a paper cut parameter specifying either to cut thepaper without feeding the paper or to cut the paper after feeding thepaper.

Further preferably, a drawer connects to the printer, and one of thecommands is a drawer kick command for adding an instruction of kickingthe drawer open, to the command buffer. The drawer kick commandpreferably includes a first drawer parameter specifying an ON timeduration of a signal that is applied to open the drawer. Preferably, thedrawer is connected to the printer by two connectors, and the drawerkick command includes a second drawer parameter specifying either one ofthe connectors connecting the drawer and the printer.

Additionally, the printer may have a buzzer and one of the commands maybe a buzzer command for adding an instruction of turning on the buzzerto the command buffer. The buzzer command may include a buzzer parameterspecifying a pattern or a number of times that actuation of the buzzeris repeated.

The address property element may be configured to set a timeout period,and the method may preferably include a step of cancelling a print jobfor printing the document in the printer designated by the addressproperty element in response to the elapse of the timeout period.

The address property element may further be configured to set a deviceidentification of the printer for sending the document to the printer.The API may further include a receive event element configured to obtaina response message including one of a print result, an error code and/ora printer status from the printer, the may method further include a stepof receiving the response message from the printer that is connected tothe intelligent module designated by the address property element.Preferably, the error code and/or the printer status indicates theoccurrence of one of an automatically recoverable error and/or anunrecoverable error. Further preferably, the printer has a cover, andthe error code and/or the printer status indicates when the cover isopen. Also preferably, the printer has an auto cutter, and the errorcode and/or the printer status indicates when an error occurred in theauto cutter. The printer may also have a sensor detecting if paper is inthe printer, and the error code and/or the printer status indicates whenno paper is detected by the sensor. The error code and/or the printerstatus may also indicate if the document sent to the intelligent modulecontains a syntax error.

Preferably the error code and/or the printer status indicate if theprinter with the device identification does not exist. If the printerhas a communication port connected to the intelligent module, the errorcode and/or the printer status may indicate that if an error wasdetected on the communication port. Further preferably, the addressproperty element is configured to set a timeout period for cancelling aprint job for printing the document in the printer, and the error codeand/or the printer status indicates if the timeout period elapses. Theerror code and/or the printer status may further indicate if printing issuccessfully completed. Assuming that the printer is adapted to connectto a drawer by a connector, the error code or the printer status mayindicate the status of a predetermined pin of the connector. The errorcode or the printer status may also indicate if the printer is offlineor waiting to be brought back online, or if no response was receivedfrom the printer. The printer may also have a switch for feeding paper.In this case, the error code and/or the printer status may indicate ifthe paper is being fed by operation of the switch. The printer may alsohave a buzzer, in which case the error code and/or the printer statusmay indicate if the buzzer is turned on. The printer or the intelligentmodule may have a spooler configured to spool a print job for printingthe document, and the error code or the printer status may indicate ifthe spooler has stopped.

Preferably the API includes a constructor for initializing the API. Inthis case, the method may further include a step of initializing the APIbefore the step of creating the document.

The objects may also be met in a method for creating a document in a webapplication, and sending the document to a printer through network, theweb application executed by a web browser, the method comprising stepsof: providing an intelligent module adapted to connect to the printer,the intelligent module configured to be set an address, to receive thedocument, and to send the document to the printer; embedding anapplication program interface (API) in the web application, the APIproviding a first object for creating the document, the object includinga command buffer, a first method element for processing the first objectelement, the first method element configured to add commands ofcontrolling the printer, into the command buffer, and creating thedocument by accumulating the commands in the buffer, a second object forsending the document, an address property element configured todesignate the address of the intelligent module, and a second methodelement for processing the second object, the second method elementconfigured to send the document in the buffer to the intelligent module;creating the document by the first method element embedded in the webapplication; sending the document by the second method element embeddedin the web application, to the intelligent module having the addressdesignated by the address property element; and sending the documentfrom the intelligent module to the printer.

Preferably in this approach, the API includes a first constructor forinitializing the first object, and a second constructor for initializingthe second object, the method further comprising steps of: initializingthe first object before the step of creating the document; andinitializing the second object before the step of sending the document.

This method may further comprise a step of printing the document on apaper in the printer.

The API may also include a receive event element configured to obtain aresponse message including one of a print result, an error code or aprinter status, from the printer, and the method may further comprise astep of: receiving the response message from the printer, which isconnected to the intelligent module designated by the address propertyelement, the second object being initialized before the step ofreceiving the response message.

The objects may also be met in a method for creating a document in a webapplication, and sending the document to a printer through a network,the web application executed by a web browser, the method comprisingsteps of: providing a printer configured to be set an address; embeddingan application program interface (API) in the web application, the APIproviding: (i) an address property element configured to designate theaddress of the printer, (ii) a first method element configured to addcommands for controlling the printer, into a command buffer, andcreating the document by accumulating the commands in the buffer, and(iii) a second method element configured to send the document in thebuffer to the intelligent module; creating the document by the firstmethod element embedded in the web application; sending the document bythe second method element embedded in the web application, to theprinter having the address designated by the address property element;and printing the document.

The objects may also be met in a system for creating a document in a webapplication, and sending the document to a printer through network, theweb application executed by a web browser, the system comprising: anintelligent module adapted to connect to the printer, the intelligentmodule configured to be set an address; a web server connected to theintelligent module through the network, the web application installed inthe web server; an application program interface (API) embedded in theweb application; the API including; (i) an address property elementconfigured to designate the address of the intelligent module, (ii) afirst method element configured to add commands, for controlling theprinter, into a command buffer and creating the document by accumulatingthe commands in the buffer, and (iii) a second method element configuredto send the document in the buffer to the intelligent module; whereinthe document is created by the first method element and is sent by thesecond method element, to the intelligent module having the addressdesignated by the address property element, and the intelligent modulesends the document to the printer.

Preferably, a drawer is connected to the printer, and one of thecommands is a drawer kick command for adding an instruction of kickingthe drawer open, to the command buffer.

The printer may also have a buzzer, and one of the commands may be abuzzer command for adding an instruction of turning on of the buzzer tothe command buffer.

The above objects are also met in a method for sending an image renderedin HTML5 Canvas, to a printer, and printing the image by the printer,the method comprising steps of: providing an intelligent module adaptedto connect to the printer, the intelligent module configured to be setan address; embedding an application program interface (API) in a webapplication, the API providing: (i) a first property element configuredto designate a conversion method for converting the rendered image intothe raster image data, (ii) a second property element configured todesignate the address of the intelligent module, and (iii) a methodelement configured to convert the image into the raster image data andsend the converted raster image data to the intelligent module;converting the image into the raster image data by the method element,according to the conversion method designated by the first propertyelement; sending the raster image data to the intelligent module by themethod element, according to the address designated by the secondproperty element; and sending the raster image data from the intelligentmodule to the printer.

The above objects may also be met in a method for creating or editing adocument in an application, the document adapted to be sent to a printerthrough a network, the application adapted to be executed by a webbrowser, the method comprising steps of: providing commands ofcontrolling the printer adapted to be added into a command buffer, andthe document being created by accumulating the commands in the commandbuffer; displaying a setting screen enabled to set an address of theprinter to an address property element; displaying an edit screenenabled to edit and/or create the document, the edit screen includingicons, each of the icons corresponding to one of the commands ofcontrolling the printer; displaying an input box enabled to input aparameter of the command on the edit screen, if a specified one of theicons, which corresponds to the command, is selected on the edit screen;adding to the command with the parameter, which is selected or input inthe edit screen, to the command buffer.

Preferably, this method further includes a step of converting thedocument edited or created on the edit screen to XML language code, anddisplaying the code. The method may further include a step of convertinga first portion of the document edited or created on the edit screen toa print preview, and displaying the print preview. Optionally, themethod may also include a step of displaying a button for sending thedocument to the printer having the address designated by the addressproperty element.

The above objects may further be met in a method for creating a documentin a web application, sending the document to a printer, and obtaining astatus of the printer through a network, the web application executed bya web browser, the method comprising steps of: providing an intelligentmodule (the intelligent module preferably being a physical electronicdevice) adapted to connect to the printer, the intelligent moduleconfigured to be set an address, to receive the document, and to sendthe document to the printer; embedding an application program interface(API) in the web application, the API including: (i) an address propertyelement configured to designate the address of the intelligent module,(ii) a status event element configured to check one or more statuses ofthe printer, and (iii) an open method element configured to enable tooperate the status event element; setting the address of the intelligentmodule to the address property element; and enabling to operate thestatus event element so as to receive a specified status of the printer.

Preferably the API includes a close method element configured to disableoperation of the status event element, the method further comprising astep of disabling the status event element.

The API may also include an interval property element specifying a timeinterval for upgrading the status of the printer, the method furthercomprising a step of setting the time interval in the interval propertyelement.

The API may further include a status property element specifying thestatus last obtained from the printer.

Additionally, the method may further include a step of setting a deviceidentification of the printer, wherein the address property element isconfigured to designate the device identification of the printer forreceiving the status of the printer specified by the deviceidentification.

Optionally, the web application may be placed in the intelligent moduleor a web server.

The status of the printer may include a status indicating whether theprinter is online or offline.

Additionally, the printer may have a cover, and the status of theprinter may include a status indicating whether the cover is open orclosed.

Preferably, the API further provides: (i) a first method elementconfigured to add commands of controlling the printer, into a commandbuffer, and creating the document by accumulating the commands in thebuffer, and (ii) a second method element configured to send the documentin the buffer to the intelligent module. In this case, the method mayfurther include the steps of: creating the document by the first methodelement embedded in the web application; sending the document by thesecond method element embedded in the web application, to theintelligent module having the address designated by the address propertyelement; and sending the document from the intelligent module to theprinter.

The method may also include a step of printing the document on a paperin the printer. In this case, the status of the printer may include astatus indicating whether the paper supply in the printer is ended ornearly ended. Preferably, a drawer is connected to the printer, and oneof the commands is a drawer kick command for adding an instruction ofkicking the drawer open, to the command buffer. The status of theprinter may include a status indicating whether the drawer is open orclosed.

The above objects may also be met in a system for creating a document ina web application, sending the document to a printer, and obtaining astatus of the printer through a network, the web application executed bya web browser, the system comprising of: an intelligent module adaptedto connect to the printer, the intelligent module configured to be setan address; a web server connected to the intelligent module through anetwork, the web application installed in the web server; an applicationprogram interface (API) embedded in the web application, the APIincluding: (i) an address property element configured to designate theaddress of the intelligent module, (ii) a status event elementconfigured to check one or more statuses of the printer, and (iii) anopen method element configured to enable operation of the status eventelement; wherein the status of the printer, designated by the statusevent element, is sent from the printer designated by the addressproperty element, to the web browser, after the open method elementenables operation of the status event element.

Preferably, the printer has a cover, and the status of the printerincludes a status indicating whether the cover is open or closed.

Further preferably, the API further provides a first method elementconfigured to add commands of controlling the printer into a commandbuffer, and creating the document by accumulating the commands in thebuffer, and a second method element configured to send the document inthe command buffer to the intelligent module, wherein the document iscreated by the first method element and is sent by the second methodelement, to the intelligent module having the address designated by theaddress.

Preferably, a drawer is connected to the printer, and one of thecommands is a drawer kick command for adding an instruction of kickingthe drawer open, to the command buffer.

The status of the printer may further include a status indicatingwhether the drawer is open or closed.

Objects of the present invention are also met in a method for sending animage rendered in a hypertext markup language (HTML rendered image), toa printer, and printing the image by use of the printer, the methodincluding steps of: providing an intelligent module adapted to connectto the printer, the intelligent module configured to be set a networkaddress; providing a user terminal having network access to theintelligent module, and configured to execute a web application;embedding an application program interface (API) in the web application,the API providing: (i) a first property element user-input displayed onthe user terminal and configured to designate a conversion method forconverting the HTML rendered image into raster image data, (ii) a secondproperty element user-input displayed on the user terminal andconfigured to set the network address of the intelligent module, and(iii) a method element configured to convert the HTML rendered imageinto the raster image data and send the converted raster image data tothe intelligent module; converting, at the user terminal, the HTMLrendered image into the raster image data by use of the method element,according to the conversion method designated by the first propertyelement user-input; sending the converted raster image data from theuser terminal to the intelligent module by use of the method element,according to the address designated by the second property elementuser-input; and sending the converted raster image data from theintelligent module to the printer.

Preferably, the printer lacks direct access to the network. In thiscase, the API further provides a third property element user-inputdisplayed on the user terminal to designate the printer; and the APIresolves designation of the printer based on the network address of theintelligent module adapted to connect to the printer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the HTML rendered image isrendered in HTML5 Canvas.

Objects of the present invention are also met in a method for creatingor editing a document in an application, the document adapted to be sentto a printer through a network, the application adapted to be executedby a web browser, the method including: providing a user terminal havingnetwork access to the printer, the user terminal having a web browserand configured to execute the application, wherein execution of theapplication in the user terminal includes: providing commands forcontrolling the printer adapted to be added into a command buffer, thedocument being created by execution of the commands in the commandbuffer; displaying on the user terminal a setting screen having a firstuser-input to set a network address of the printer into an addressproperty element; displaying on the user terminal an edit screen enabledto edit or create the document, the edit screen including icons, each ofthe icons corresponding to one of the commands for controlling theprinter; in response to user selection of one of the icons, displaying,on the edit screen, an input box enabled to input a parameter of thecommand corresponding to the selected icon; adding the commandcorresponding to the selected icon and its parameter, if inputted in theedit screen, to the command buffer.

The preferred method preferably further includes a step of convertingthe document edited or created on the edit screen to code written in anextensible markup language, and displaying the code on the userterminal.

In this case, the extensible markup language is preferably a hypertextmarkup language (HTML); the document edited or created is converted toan HTML rendered document; and execution of the application in the userterminal further includes providing: a second user-input configured todesignate a conversion method for converting the HTML rendered documentinto raster image data, and a method element configured to convert theHTML rendered document into the raster image data and send the convertedraster image data to the printer; converting, at the user terminal, theHTML rendered document into the raster image data by use of the methodelement, according to the conversion method designated by the seconduser-input.

The preferred approach further includes a step of converting a firstportion of the document edited or created on the edit screen to a printpreview, and displaying the print preview on the user terminal.

Further preferably, the method includes a step of displaying a buttonfor sending the document to the printer having the address designated bythe address property element.

Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding ofthe invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to thefollowing description and claims taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings wherein like reference symbols refer to like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical printer server arrangement.

FIG. 2 illustrates a typical printer dialogue box.

FIG. 3 is a first embodiment in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a second embodiment in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a command buffer and illustrates some examples of controlcommands in accord with present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a specific example of the present invention asapplied in a POS system.

FIG. 7 shows examples of the type of printing that may be implemented bymeans of ePOS-Print API.

FIG. 8 shows examples of the type of printing that may be implemented bymeans of the ePOS-Print-Canvas API

FIG. 9 is an example of print flow in accord with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 shows a system construction example in accord with the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 shows the registering of a web application into a TM intelligentprinter.

FIG. 12 provides an example of a sample program screen created using theePOS-Print API in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an example of a settings window that may be called up inresponse to actuation of the settings button of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a first sample print-out using the ePOS-Print API and asecond sample print-out using the ePOS-Print-Canvas API.

FIG. 15 shows a sample flow chart illustrating a process step flow fromits initial display state up to print job completion.

FIG. 16 shows a sample flow chart illustrating a process step flow forcoupon issuance.

FIG. 17 is an example of an operating environment in accord with thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 shows a process flow for configuring the environment settingsfor a sample program.

FIG. 19 is an example of Network Settings for the TM IntelligentPrinter.

FIG. 20 is an example of device settings.

FIG. 21 shows examples of devices settings that may be configured.

FIG. 22 show a sample work flow for programming using the ePOS-PrintAPI.

FIG. 23 shows an example of using the HTML <script> tag to embed anePOS-Print API.

FIG. 24 shows an example a program code segment for creating a printdocument.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of script code for creating a text printdocument.

FIG. 26 provides sample script code creating a graphic print document.

FIG. 27 illustrates sample code for creating a page mode print document.

FIG. 28 provides sample code for transmission of a print document.

FIG. 29 provides a table with details about the printer end pointaddress.

FIG. 30 provides sample code for implementing a callback function.

FIG. 31 provides an example of an error handling method for a callbackfunction.

FIG. 32 illustrates the use of the status event notification function tocheck the printer status without printing.

FIG. 33 illustrates a workflow for programming using ePOS-Print-CanvasAPI.

FIG. 34 shows sample code for embedding an ePOS-Print-Canvas API.

FIG. 35 provides sample code for rendering in HTML5-Canvas.

FIG. 36 provides sample code for transmitting a print document forprinting.

FIG. 37 shows sample code for printing a result receipt and callbackfunction.

FIG. 38 provides sample code for error handling by a callback function.

FIG. 39 provides sample code for using the status event notificationfunction to check the printer status without printing.

FIGS. 40, 41, 42 a and 42 b list some of the methods and components ofthe ePOS-Print API.

FIG. 43 provides sample code for the constructor of an ePOS-PrintBuilder object.

FIG. 44 provides examples of types of alignment parameters.

FIG. 45 provides the return value for the ePOS-Print Builder object.

FIG. 46 illustrates exception error.

FIG. 47 provides sample code illustrating the use of text alignment.

FIG. 48 provides sample code to set the line feed space to 30 dots.

FIG. 49 illustrates Boolean values for the rotate parameter.

FIG. 50 provides sample code to set text rotation.

FIG. 51 shows escape sequences to indicate nonprintable characters in acharacter string.

FIG. 52 provides sample code illustrating the use of addText(data).

FIG. 53 provides examples of parameter “lang” to designate a targetlanguage.

FIG. 54 provides sample code illustrating the use of methodaddTextLang(lang).

FIG. 55 illustrates sample values for the font parameter.

FIG. 56 provides sample code illustrating the use of theaddTextFont(font) method.

FIG. 57 illustrates possible values for parameter “smooth”.

FIG. 58 provides sample code illustrating the use of methodaddTextSmooth(smooth).

FIG. 59 describes parameter values for dw.

FIG. 60 describes parameter values for dh.

FIG. 61 provides sample code to set the text size to double width anddouble height.

FIG. 62 illustrates possible values for parameter “width”.

FIG. 63 illustrates possible values for parameter “height”.

FIG. 64 shows sample code to set a horizontal scale of x 4 and avertical scale of x 4.

FIG. 65 shows possible values for parameter “reverse”.

FIG. 66 shows possible values for parameter “ul”.

FIG. 67 shows possible values for parameter “em”.

FIG. 68 shows possible values for parameter “color”.

FIG. 69 provides sample code to set the underline style.

FIG. 70 shows sample code to set the print position at 120 dots from theleft end.

FIG. 71 shows sample code to feed paper by 30 dots.

FIG. 72 shows sample code to feed paper by 3 lines.

FIG. 73 shows sample code to start a new line after printing a characterstring.

FIG. 74 shows sample values for parameter “color” within the addImagemethod.

FIG. 75 shows sample values for parameter “mode” within the addImagemethod.

FIG. 76 provides sample code to print an image 300 dots wide and 300dots high in page mode.

FIG. 77 shows sample code illustrating the use of the addLogo method.

FIGS. 78 to 81 provide examples of barcode types.

FIG. 82 illustrates some possible values for the hri parameter.

FIG. 83 provides sample code illustrating how to print barcodes.

FIGS. 84 and 85 provide examples of 2D-Code type descriptions forparameter “data” within the addSymbol method.

FIG. 86 provides sample values for parameter “type” within the addSymbolmethod.

FIG. 87 provides sample values for parameter “level” within theaddSymbol method.

FIG. 88 provides sample code to print two-dimensional symbols.

FIG. 89 illustrates some style parameters for the addHline method.

FIG. 90 shows sample code to draw double horizontal lines.

FIG. 91 provides examples of parameter style for the addVLineBeginmethod.

FIG. 92 provides sample code to draw thin vertical lines at 100 dots and200 dots from the left end.

FIG. 93 provides examples of parameter style for the addVLineEnd method.

FIG. 94 provides sample code to draw thin vertical lines at 100 dots and200 dots from the left end.

FIG. 95 shows sample code to print characters “ABCDE” in page mode.

FIG. 96 shows sample code to specify the print area with the origin(100, 50), a width of 200 dots, and a height of 30 dots and print thecharacters “ABCDE”.

FIG. 97 provides some examples for parameter “dir” of methodaddPageDirection.

FIG. 98 provides sample code to print characters “ABCDE” by rotatingthem 90 degrees clockwise.

FIG. 99 shows sample code to specify (50,30) for the print startposition in the area specified by the addPageArea method and print thecharacters “ABCDE”.

FIG. 100 provides examples of the “style” parameter in methodaddPageLine.

FIG. 101 provides sample code to draw a thin solid line between startposition (100, 0) and end position (500, 0).

FIG. 102 provides examples of the “style” parameter in methodaddPageRectangle.

FIG. 103 shows sample code to draw a rectangle with a thin double line,with the start position (100, 0) and the end position (500, 200) as itsvertexes.

FIG. 104 shows sample types for method addCut.

FIG. 105 provides sample code to perform a feed cut operation.

FIG. 106 shows examples of parameter “drawer” for method addCut.

FIG. 107 shows examples of parameter “time” for method addCut.

FIG. 108 shows sample code to send a 100 msec pulse signal to pin “2” ofa drawer kick connector.

FIG. 109 shows examples of buzzer patterns.

FIG. 110 shows examples of how to set parameter “repeat” in methodaddSound.

FIG. 111 shows sample code to repeat a sound pattern “A” three times.

FIG. 112 shows sample code illustrating the use of method to String( ).

FIG. 113 shows the specifying of the halftone processing method to beapplied to monochrome (two-tone) printing.

FIG. 114 shows sample code to set the halftone type as error diffusion.

FIG. 115 provides sample code to set brightness as 2.2.

FIG. 116 provides sample code to clear the command buffer and reset itto its initial state.

FIG. 117 provides sample code illustrating the use ofePOSPring(address).

FIG. 118 provides sample code illustrating the use of the send(request)method.

FIG. 119 provides sample code illustrating the use of the open( )method.

FIG. 120 provides sample code illustrating the use of the close( )method.

FIG. 121 provides an example of the use of the address property.

FIG. 122 provides an example of using the enabled property.

FIG. 123 provides an example of using the interval property.

FIG. 124 provides an example of using the status property

FIG. 125 shows some properties of the response object.

FIG. 126 shows value of success.

FIG. 127 shows value of code.

FIG. 128 shows value of status.

FIG. 129 show sample code to create and send a print document, and todisplay the print result in a message box.

FIG. 130 lists some properties of the error object.

FIG. 131 shows sample code to create and send a print document and todisplay the HTTP status code in a message box when a communication erroroccurs.

FIG. 132 provides an example of using the onstatuschange property.

FIG. 133 provides an example of using the ononline property.

FIG. 134 provides an example of using the onoffline property.

FIG. 135 provides an example of using the onpoweroff property.

FIG. 136 provides an example of using the foncoverok property.

FIG. 137 provides an example of using the oncoveropen property

FIG. 138 provides an example of using the onpaperok event.

FIG. 139 provides an example of using the onpapernearend event.

FIG. 140 provides an example of using the onpaperend event.

FIG. 141 provides an example of using the ondrawerclosed event.

FIG. 142 provides an example of using the ondraweropen event.

FIG. 143 provides a list of some components of the ePOS-Print-CanvasAPI.

FIG. 144 is sample code illustrating the creation of a new ePOS-PrintCanvas API object.

FIG. 145 shows examples of parameter “cut”.

FIG. 146 shows examples of parameter “mode”.

FIG. 147 provides sample code to print Canvas(ID=‘myCanvas’).

FIG. 148 is sample code illustrating the use of the open( ) method.

FIG. 149 is sample code illustrating the use of the close( ) method.

FIG. 150 is sample code illustrating the use of the address property.

FIG. 151 is sample code illustrating the use of the enabled property.

FIG. 152 is sample code illustrating the use of the interval property.

FIG. 153 is sample code illustrating the use of the status property.

FIG. 154 illustrates some halftone properties.

FIG. 155 is sample code illustrating the use of the halftone property.

The default value is 1.0.

FIG. 156 is sample code illustrating the setting of the brightnessproperty.

FIG. 157 shows some properties of the response object.

FIG. 158 shows value of success.

FIG. 159 shows value of code.

FIG. 160 shows value of status.

FIG. 161 shows sample code to print Canvas(ID=myCanvas), and to displaythe print result in a message box.

FIG. 162 lists some properties of the error object.

FIG. 163 shows sample code to print Canvas(ID=myCanvas), and to displaythe HTTP status code in a message box when a communication error occurs.

FIG. 164 is sample code illustrating the use of onstatuschange event.

FIG. 165 provides an example of using the ononline property.

FIG. 166 provides an example of using the onoffline property.

FIG. 167 provides an example of using the onpoweroff event.

FIG. 168 provides an example of using the oncoverok event

FIG. 169 provides an example of using the oncoveropen event.

FIG. 170 provides an example of using the onpaperok event.

FIG. 171 provides an example of using the onpapernearend event.

FIG. 172 provides an example of using the onpaperend event.

FIG. 173a provides an example of using the ondrawerclosed event.

FIG. 173b provides an example of using the ondraweropen event.

FIG. 174 provides a sample main page (i.e. index.html, or home page) foran ePOS Print editor in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 175 shows the Setting screen resulting from selection of the“Setting” tab of the ePOS Print editor in accord with the presentinvention.

FIG. 176 provides a table summarizing some of the options provided bythe Setting screen.

FIG. 177 provides another view of the Edit screen of the ePOS Printeditor in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 178 shows a sample preview image of the ePOS Print editor in accordwith the present invention.

FIG. 179 provides a sample view of the present ePOS-Print editor withthe Print tab selected.

FIG. 180 shows an import screen in accord with the present invention.

FIG. 181 provides a sample view of the present ePOS-Print editor withthe API tab selected.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Previously, in order to print from a web page on the Internet, a usertypically had to go through a web browser's print-select button on theweb browser's interface or go through a third-party printing service onthe Internet. The web browser controls access to local resources, suchas printers. Basically, the web browser functions as an interface to thelocal operating system, which in turn controls access to any installedprinter drivers. If one wishes to print through a third-party printingservice on the Internet, then the document to be printed needs to alsoexist on the Internet, and not just on the user's local device. Ineither case, the user is required to go through a printer dialogue boxto select from among available, registered printers and printingoptions, none of which are known to the web page from which one wishesto print.

To improve the capabilities of network printing, the present inventionendeavors to increase the capabilities of web applications, i.e., webpages, and in particular to increase the capabilities of scriptapplications (i.e., widgets, methods, etc.) executed within a web pageto directly control network printers and non-network printers withouthaving to go through the web browser's print-select button or relying ona third-party Internet printing service.

The printers in the preferred embodiments may be local printers and/orremote printers. That is, the present invention permits web page scriptapplications to create a print document and communicate with, andcontrol, a printer without requiring explicit printing permission orprinting assistance from the web browser. In addition to the printdocument being directly created by the script application, the printdocument may does not need to exist on the Internet in order to beprinted. As a preferred implementation, whenever a script application ismentioned in the following discussion, it is discussed as implemented inthe JavaScript language, which is a Java-based script language. It is tobe understood however, that the present invention may be implementedusing other script languages known in the art.

Since the present invention adds printing capabilities to a web page,and the web page is typically accessed via a web browser, the preferredembodiment of the present invention includes a local computing devicecapable of running a web browser. To facilitate the use of the presentinvention with existing network and non-network printers, it is furtherpreferred that the web page communicate via an interface box (i.e.,device, apparatus, or module) capable of receiving printing instructionsfrom the web page and translating them to an appropriate communicationformat/language for the connected printers. Preferably, the interfacebox provides translation services for communication between the web pageand the printers, and further provides any needed help for creating aprint document appropriate for a given printer. Since the interface boxhas computing and decision-making capabilities, it is an intelligentdevice. So for ease of discussion, the interface box is hereinaftertermed, an “intelligent module”.

If a printer is not a non-network printer, the local printers isconnected to local computing device (on which the web browser isinstalled) via the intelligent module (which is preferably a physicalcomputing apparatus/device). Alternatively, if the printer is a networkprinter, it is preferred that the intelligent module still function as acommunications interface with the local printer. Furthermore, in anetwork environment, the intelligent module may function as acommunication interface for multiple (network and non-network) printers.

Although the present invention may be implemented in any computingenvironment having a web browser and printer(s), for ease of explanationand as an example of a preferred embodiment, the present invention isherein described as implemented within a retail environment. Inparticular, the present invention is described as implemented in apoint-of-sale (i.e., POS) system, or POS network. It is to be understoodhowever, that the present invention may be implemented other networkedand non-networked computing/printing environments.

In POS systems, a point-of-sale device is located at each checkoutstation to implement a commercial transaction and maintain a record ofthe transaction. The checkout station is thus the location within aretail environment (or retail establishment) where a physical customerpays a merchant for goods and/or services. A POS system may includemultiple POS devices, which may be thought of as electronic cashregisters that incorporate computing and/or networking capabilities. POSdevices typically have an adjacent (or integrated) receipt printer onwhich a receipt (or summary of a transaction) is printed for thecustomer's records. In order to accommodate transaction summaries ofindefinite length, the receipt printer is typically a “roll-paperprinter” (i.e., a printer that prints on a roll of paper, or “paperroll”) and cuts the printed portion from the roll of paper at the end ofthe printed transaction summary). It is to be understood, however, thatthe present invention is compatible with sheet printer, and othernon-roll-paper printers.

POS devices are typically networked within a POS system and communicatewith a central server that keeps track of transactions for bookkeepingand inventory purposes, and may additionally provide information to thePOS device, such as product prices (or updates to produce prices),coupons, promotional advertisements, product information (such asproduct description and/or availability), and other data. The centralserver may be part of a local area network and/or a wide area network,and may optionally be distributed across multiple servers. Conceivably,the central server may also be accessible via the Internet.

Since POS system networks are comprised of specialized and computerizedPOS devices, they can be complicated and costly to purchase, setup,maintain, and upgrade. The cost and difficulty of implementing andmaintaining POS systems is further increased by the use of differentmodel POS devices (from different manufactures) and different modelprinters (from different manufactures) within the same POS systemnetwork. As it would be understood, the different POS devices may havedifferent operating platforms (i.e., run on different operating systems,OS) with different capabilities, and the different model printers mayhave different driver requirements/capabilities for the differentoperating platforms.

The following discussion illustrates how the present invention mayreduce the cost and complexity of setting up, maintaining, and upgradinga POS system network; particularly one that combines different model POSdevices and different model printers.

In a preferred embodiment, a POS system is implemented over a network,and commercial transactions are managed via a web page application(i.e., a web page) maintained within a network server and accessible byremote web terminals functioning as POS devices to implement and recordsales transactions. Alternatively, the web page may be maintained in theintelligent module, and the POS devices may access the web page from theintelligent module. In either case, each POS device accesses the webpage via a web browser, and uses the web page to print to a printer.Preferably, commercial transactions are also entered and recorded viathe web page.

A printer, which is typically adjacent to a POS device, may becontrolled by the network server or controlled by the POS device. Inboth cases, it is preferred that communication with the printer beconducted via the intelligent module, as is explained more fully below.

Alternatively, the present invention may also be implemented without theuse of any network server. In this case, the intelligent module mayprovide the web page to the POS device(s), and convey communicationbetween the POS device(s) and the printer(s). This implementation doesnot preclude the POS device from being part of a computer network.

In this manner, the operating platform of the POS device is not alimiting factor; all that is needed is that the POS device be capable ofrunning a web browser, irrespective of its operating platform. Indeed,the POS device may be implemented using a simplified computing devicehaving minimal computing power. For example, the POS device may beimplemented as a budget computer tablet having basic computing andcommunications capabilities.

With reference to FIG. 3, a web page 31 is shown within a web browser33. Preferably, web browser 33 is run within a computing device (i.e.,data processing device such as computing device 51 shown in FIG. 4),which may function as a POS device. As it is known in the art, webbrowser 33 provides an interface for accessing web pages within a TCP/IPnetwork, such as the Internet, and typically includes an address field35 in which one may enter a network address for accessing a desired webpage. For example, web page 31 may be maintained (i.e., placed) inintelligent module 37 and downloaded to web browser 33. Alternatively,web page 31 may be incorporated into (i.e., be resident by default in)the computer device on which web browser 33 resides. Web page 31 ispreferably written in a markup language, such as HTML and/or itsvariants, and supports script languages, such as JavaScript.

In the present embodiment, web browser 33 is in communication with oneor more printers, PrinterID_1 and PrinterID_2, via intelligent moduledevice 37. Optionally, these printers may be POS printers (i.e., receiptprinters) and may optionally print onto respective rolls of paper 39 aand 39 b.

Preferably, intelligent module 37 communicates with web page 31 via atleast one print application program interfaces, i.e., print API, labeledAPI_1 through API_3. For illustration purposes, print applicationprogram interfaces API_1 through API_3 are shown embedded within webpage 31, and they provide an interface to respective print scriptapplications, such as Print_Script_App_1 through Print_Script_App_3. Ifdesired, the functionality of all print script applications may becombined and accessed via a single print API. Further preferably, theprint script applications are Java script applications that providevarious printer functions, as described below, and are accessible via atleast one print API. API_1 through API_3 (and their respective printscript applications Print_Script_App_1 through Print_Script_App_3) maybe provided as part of a library of print APIs to web page developers toincorporate the present printing capabilities.

API_1 through API_3 provide a print interface for web page 31, and printscript applications Print_Script_App_1 through Print_Script_App_3 aredesigned to provide printing capabilities and/or to communicate withintelligent module 37. The print APIs and print script applications maybe embedded together as a unit within web page 31, such as illustratedby API_1+Print_Script_App_1 and by API_2+Print_Script_App_2. In thiscase, both may be addressed under the common term of “API” or “printAPI”, and this “API” would thus handle both the interfacing with webpage 31, the creation of a print document, and the sending of the printdocument to the intelligent module 37.

As it may be understood by one versed in the art, print APIs may beinstances of a specific software class (as defined in object orientedlanguages), and they may be created by means of a constructor (asdefined in OOP languages). In one embodiment, a print API may include aconstructor for initializing the API.

In another embodiment, the print API and its corresponding print scriptapplication may be split such that the print API is embedded the withinthe web page 31, but its corresponding print script application ismaintained separate within intelligent module 37. This is illustrated byAPI_3 being embedded within web page 31 while its corresponding printerscript application, Print_Script_App_3, is maintained within intelligentmodule 37. In this manner, some of the computing resources needed byPrint_Script_App3 may be offloaded from the device on which web browser33 resides and transferred to intelligent module 37. In this case, API_3would send all data necessary for defining a printed document toPrint_Script_App3, which would then create a corresponding printdocument within intelligent module 37 and send the resultant printdocument to a specified printer. The separating of the print API fromits corresponding print script application also permits the updating ofthe script application within the intelligent module 37 without alteringthe print API within the web browser. In this case, web developers maybe provided with a library of print API for incorporation into their webpages, but the details of the implementation of the corresponding printscript applications may be maintained in intelligent module 37 or in anetwork server and thus be kept hidden from the web developers.

In a preferred embodiment, each print API communicates directly withintelligent module 37. Therefore, intelligent module 37 is configured toreceive (i.e., be assigned) a network address, illustrated as IP_ADD_1.This network address may be a static address or a dynamically assignedaddress.

Each print API is preferably provided with an address property element(i.e., address data field) configured to receive the network address ofintelligent module 37, by which each print API may address itscommunication to intelligent module 37. If the network address ofintelligent module 37 is static (i.e., fixed), the address propertyelement within each API may be manually set. Alternatively if thenetwork address of is dynamic, a network address resolution service maybe used to determine the network address of intelligent module 37 andenter the resolved address in each print API's address property element.Further preferably, the address property element is configured to set atimeout period. This timeout period may indicate a maximum amount oftime allotted for receiving an acknowledgement, or other response, fromthe intelligent module. Preferably, the print API includes a step, orprocess, for canceling a print job (or a submitted print request) inresponse to the timeout period elapsing.

Further preferably, each printer is identifiable by name, oridentification code (ID) or (network) address. For ease of discussion,both printer ID and/or printer network address are designated byreference characters “PrinterID_1” and “printerID_2”. Further for easeof discussion, whenever printer ID is used, it is to be understood that“printer network address” may be substituted since the present inventionenvisions using a printer network address in place of printer IDs.Further preferably, the name, printer ID and/or printer address isprovided to the print API's. The print API's may therefore designate atarget printer by name, printer ID and/or printer network address toreceive a printing request, or print document.

In one embodiment, the print API's address property element is expandedto also receive the ID (or network address) of the target printer. Forexample, the address property element may be configured to set thedevice identification (the ID or network address) of the target printer,which designates it as the printer to which the document to be printedshould be sent. The print API may further have a receive event elementconfigured to obtain a response message from the printer. The responsemessage may include a print result, an error code and/or a printerstatus. The error code or the printer status may indicate one of anautomatically recoverable error or an unrecoverable error occurred.Thus, the print API may receive a response message from the printer viathe intelligent module designated by the address property element. Inthis manner, communications between a target printer and a print API areconducted via the intelligent module specified in the address propertyelement. Additionally, the address property element may be configured toset a timeout period. This timeout period may indicate the maximumamount of time allotted for receiving an acknowledgement, or otherresponse, from the intelligent module or from the printer. Preferably,the print API includes a step, or process, for canceling a print job (ora submitted print request) for printing a document in the printerdesignated by the address property element in response to the timeoutperiod elapsing.

Alternatively, the print APIs may send a printing request to intelligentmodule 37 without designating a specific printer, and intelligent module37 may select a printer based on proximity information to the devicethat issued to the printing request or by determining which printer isavailable (i.e., not busy). In this case, intelligent module 37 ispreferably aware of the locations of the devices on which the web pagesare running and the locations of the printers in order to select theprinter closest to the device that issued the printing request. Furtheralternatively, once intelligent module 37 has selected a printer for aspecific device that issues a print request, the selected printerpreferably becomes assigned to that device and all future print requestsfrom the same device are sent to the same selected printer.

Since each print API embedded within web page 31 can directlycommunicate with intelligent module 37 by means of its address propertyelement (which holds the network address of intelligent module 37), eachprint API may submit printing requests at any time without userintervention or without submitting a print request to the web browser 33on which it resides. For example at a checkout station, a print API maysubmit for printing a description of each product item being summed forpurchase, as the product item is identified (i.e., scanned) by the webbrowser and added to the overall transaction summary. Thus, web page 31may generate a print document of any data (including newly generateddata and/or portion(s) of a display screen), and submit the printdocument for printing at any desired time. For example, the API maygenerate parts of a print document in segments (i.e., at differenttimes) and then combine and/or arrange the segments into a compositeprint document to be sent to the printers. Alternatively, since in thepresent embodiment the preferred printers are roll printers, the printAPI may send multiple segments to the printers for printing, and send aninstruction for cutting the printed portion of the paper roll at the endof a printing session (i.e., at the end of a commercial transaction at acheckout station).

In operation, a print script application (or the API itself if it iscombined with its corresponding print script application as a singleunit) includes a first method element (i.e., a first executable routine,or executable method) to define a print document by accumulating (i.e.,adding) printer control instructions into a command buffer and thenexecuting the accumulated printer control instructions. Preferably, theprint script application (or API) further include a second methodelement (i.e., a second executable routine) configured to send thedefined print document to intelligent module 37. A printed document maythus be created by executing the first and second method elements, inturn.

In the present discussion, all or some of the recited software methodsmay be replaced by software objects, as defined in object orientedlanguages.

Intelligent module 37 is preferably implemented as a data processingdevice (including, but not limited to: a control unit circuit and/orcentral processing unit; and/or volatile/non-volatile electronic memory;and/or data/control registers; and/or signal busses; and/or electroniccommunication interfaces; and/or lookup table(s)). Intelligent module 37may be implemented as a stand-alone unit in its own physical encasement,or may alternately be incorporated into (or physically attached to) aprinter, server, or other electronic device. In operation, Intelligentmodule 37 receives a print document from a print API embedded within webpage 31, converts it (if necessary) into a suitable print document for aspecified (or otherwise designated) printer, and sends it for printingto the designated printer. Optionally, intelligent module 37 may includeprinter drivers for each of the printers, and utilize the printerdrivers to define the suitable print document. Alternatively,intelligent module 37 may receive a record of the command buffer from aprint API, create a print document by executing the printer commands inthe command buffer, and send the created print document to theappropriate printer. Still alternatively, the commands received from aprint API may be general printing descriptions, such as formattinginformation and print content data, and the intelligent module may thendetermine the necessary printer commands to generate a print documentthat best resembles the general printing descriptions based on thecapabilities of the designated printer, and then send generated printdocument to the designated printer.

In the above discussion, the created print document may be an XML printdocument or a bitmap print document or other document description formatknown in the art.

As illustrated, printers PrintID_1 and PrintID_2 may be POS printersthat prints on paper rolls 39 a and 39 b, respectively. The printers mayfurther have accessories such as a (fully or partially removable) cover41, a drawer 43, a buzzer 45, and a paper cutter (or auto cutter) 47.These accessories are preferably controllable via the printer commandsmentioned above, and relayed to the printers by intelligent module 37.Among the error codes or printer statuses that a target printer may sendto a print API, as discussed above, may be an indication that the coveris open. Similarly, an error code or printer status may indicate that anerror occurred in the auto cutter. The printer may also have a sensorthat detects if paper is in the printer, and an error code or printerstatus may indicate if no paper is detected by the sensor.Alternatively, an error code or printer status may indicate if thedocument sent to intelligent module 37 contains a syntax error.Alternatively, an error code or printer status may indicate if a printAPI's target printer, as designated by the submitted printer ID, doesnot exist.

As it would be understood PrintID_1 and PrintID_2 have communicationports for communicating with intelligent module 37. The error code orthe printer status may indicate if an error is detected on thecommunication port. An error code or printer status may further indicateif the timeout period, mentioned above, elapses. Alternatively, theerror code or printer status may indicate that printing operation issuccessfully completed. As mentioned above, the printer may be connectedto a drawer by a connector, which may have at least one pin. In thiscase, the error code or the printer status may indicate the status of apredetermined pin of the connector.

Alternatively, the error code or printer status may indicate that theprinter is offline or waiting to be brought back online, or that noresponse was received from the printer.

PrintID_1 and PrintID_2 may further have a switch for feeding paper 39 aand 39 b, and the error code or the printer status may indicate whenpaper is being fed by operation of the switch. The error code or printerstatus may further indicate when buzzer 45 is turned on (i.e.,actuated). The printers or intelligent module 37 may have a spoolerconfigured to spool a print job for printing a document, and the errorcode or the printer status may indicate if the spooler has stopped.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the present invention is implemented as asystem that may, or may not, be networked. That is, the local device onwhich web browser 33 runs may be a stand-alone device not connected toany specific central server. Irrespective of whether the local device isa stand-alone device or networked with other POS devices or server(s),intelligent module 37 may function as a printer control box relaying andtranslating communication (and generating any necessary command andinstruction) signals between the printers and web page 31.

FIG. 4 illustrates a network implementation of the present invention.All elements similar to those of FIG. 3 have similar referencecharacters and are described above. As illustrated, network 55 includescomputing device 51, server 53, intelligent module 37 and printerPrinterID_2. Computing device 51, server 53 and intelligent module 37communicate via a network communication channel 57, which may be a wiredchannel, wireless channel or a combination of both. Computing device 51,which may be a computer tablet or other data processing device, accessesweb page 31 via web browser 33. Optionally, web page (i.e., webapplication) 31 is accessed from server 53 or from intelligent module37. That is, web application 31 may be maintained (i.e., stored orplaced) in (and accessed from) server 53 and/or in intelligent module37.

Optionally, printer PrinterID_2 may include non-volatile memory 59. Inone embodiment, multiple predefined images, such as logos, may be storedin memory 59 and identified/addressed by ID code, such as LOGO_1 throughLOGO_3.

As is explained above, the print API defines a command buffer in whichprinter control commands are accumulated. Various types of controlcommands may be accumulated in the command buffer. FIG. 5 illustratessome examples of printer control commands 61 that may be accumulated inthe command buffer 63 in accord with the present invention. Each commandmay result in one or more instructions necessary for executing thecommand.

For example with reference to FIG. 5, one of the commands may be a textcommand for adding text for printing to the command buffer. That is, thetext command may define a data field of definite or indefinite length inwhich text to be printed is inserted. Another command may be a textsetting command for adding parameters that define (i.e., set) propertiesof the text, to the command buffer. Such properties may include thesize, font, color, etc. of the inserted text. The text setting commandmay set multiple different parameters. For example, a first text settingparameter may specify a start position for printing on paper, andanother may set alignment requirements. Other parameters may setlanguage, font, style, scale, and/or size of the inserted text.Additional text setting parameters may include a parameter forspecifying whether to rotate the printed text, or whether to enablesmoothing the text.

Another command may be a paper feed command for adding to the commandbuffer one or more instructions for feeding the paper in the printer.

Still another command may be an image command for adding a raster imagefor printing. As it is known in the art, a raster image is typically arectangular area that defines an image as viewed on a display medium onepoint at a time, such as bitmap, and defines an image file. Preferably,the print API includes a half tone property element, and a color imagerendered in the web application, is converted into the raster image datafor printing, by the image command, according to a setting of thehalftone property element. Preferably, the halftone property elementspecifies at least one of a dithering, error diffusion, and/or thresholdfor converting the color image into the raster image data. The print APImay also include a brightness property element, which may specify agamma value in the range 0.1-10.0 for correcting the brightness of theraster image data. In this case, the image command may convert the colorimage into the raster image data for printing according to a setting ofthe brightness property element.

As is illustrated in FIG. 4, PrinterID_2 may include non-volatile, NV,memory 59 for registering at least one logo. In this case, it ispreferred that there be a logo command for adding a key code thatidentifies a specific logo to the command buffer for printing theidentified logo. That is, the key code specifies a specific logo (i.e.,logos LOGO_1 through LOGO_3) registered in NV memory 59.

Another command may be a barcode command for adding an instruction ofprinting a barcode, to the command buffer. Preferably, multiple barcodetypes are supported, and the barcode command includes a barcodeparameter that specifies at least the barcode type desired, the widthand height of the barcode, and/or data to be converted (i.e., encoded)into the selected barcode type.

Another command may be a symbol command for adding an instruction ofprinting a two-dimensional symbol, to the command buffer. The symbolcommand may include a symbol parameter that specifies at least one of atype of the two-dimensional symbol, an error correction level of thetwo-dimensional symbol, or data to be converted to the two-dimensionalsymbol.

Preferably, another command is a first line command for adding aninstruction of drawing a first line to the command buffer. The firstline command may include a first line parameter that specifies a startposition and an end position of the first line. The present inventionmay also include a second line command for adding to the command bufferan instruction of starting the drawing of a second line of indefinitelength, and providing a second line parameter that specifies a startposition of the second line but provides no line parameter forspecifying any end position of the second line. In this case, it ispreferred that the present invention include a third line command foradding an instruction of finishing (i.e., stopping) the drawing of thesecond line started by the second line command. The third line commandmay include a third line parameter that specifies an end position forthe second line.

Still another command may be a page mode command for adding to thecommand buffer an instruction of switching to a page mode, and adding aprint area in the page mode. That is, the page mode may be a print modewherein the print area is defined, data is laid out in the print area,and the print area is printed in a batch operation. The page mode mayfurther include at least one coordinate specifying a desired placementlocation for the print area. A second page mode command may addinstruction(s) for ending the page mode initiated by the first page modecommand. A still third page mode command may at least one setting (i.e.,setting parameter) to the page mode defined by the first page modecommand. The third page mode command may include a third page parameterthat specifies a direction for the printing in the page mode, orcoordinate(s) specifying a starting position for the printing in thepage mode. A fourth page mode command may further add instruction(s) fordrawing a predefined shape, such as a line or a rectangle, in the pagemode defined by the first page mode command. The forth page command mayinclude coordinates specifying a start position and an end position ofthe predefined shape, i.e., the line or the rectangle, within the pagemode. The forth page command may further include a forth page parameterthat specifies a type choice for the shape. For example, the forth pageparameter may specify a line type or a rectangle type.

Another command maybe a paper cut command for adding to the commandbuffer an instruction for cutting the paper, i.e., the printing medium,such as by means of paper cutter 47. The paper cut command may include apaper cut parameter specifying either one of cutting the paper withoutfirst feeding the paper or cutting the paper after feeding the paper.

As is shown FIG. 3, a printer in accord with the present invention mayhave a drawer 43 connected to it. Assuming this is the case, anothercommand may be a drawer kick command for adding an instruction ofkicking (i.e., releasing or unlatching) the drawer open to the commandbuffer. Preferably, the drawer kick command includes a first drawerparameter that specifies an ON time duration of a signal that is appliedto open the drawer. Further preferably, the drawer is connected to theprinter by two connectors, and the drawer kick command includes a seconddrawer parameter specifying (the release of) either one of theconnectors that connect the drawer and the printer.

As shown in FIG. 3, PrinterID_2 may include a buzzer 45. If so, thenanother command may be a buzzer command for adding to the command bufferan instruction of turning on (or actuating) the buzzer. The buzzercommand may include a buzzer parameter specifying a pattern or a numberof times that actuation of the buzzer is repeated.

A specific example of the present invention as implemented in a POSsystem is as follows.

FIG. 6 illustrates a specific example of the present invention asapplied in a POS system 79. As shown, the present example includes aserver 71, web browser 73 and intelligent module 75, as discussed above.For illustration purposes, intelligent module 75 is identified as “TMintelligent Pinter” to indicate that it may consist of the combinationof one or more intelligent modules in communication with one ore moreprinters. Web browser 73 may be executed within a POS device (such as anelectronic/computerized cash register), and web browser 73 accesses aweb page 77, as discussed above. For ease of discussion, the printingmechanism/method of the present invention as applied in the present POSsystem 79 is termed “ePOS-Print”.

ePOS-Print provides functionality to control POS printers in amulti-platform environment. Using ePOS-Print, data can be directlyprinted from Web browsers on personal computers, smart phones, or tabletcomputers to TM intelligent printers (i.e., the combination of one ormore intelligent modules and one or more printers).

In addition, print images rendered in HTML5 Canvas can be printed. As itis known in the art, HTML5 Canvas is a container for graphics, andprovides a way to draw graphics via scripting. ePOS-Print provides theAPI (equivalent to “print API” in the present discussion) for printcommands. When a print document (Request) is sent via HTTP from the host(i.e., the device or terminal on which web browser 73 is running) to anePOS-Print Service of a TM intelligent printer 75, ePOS-Print processesthe printing of that document and returns a response document (i.e., aresponse).

The present implementation includes many features. For example, as longas the present system is in a network environment, a terminal with anHTML5-supported web browser can perform printing from anywhere.Installation of printer drivers and plug-ins are not required. No PCs orservers are required for printing. The present system allows printingfrom public and private network clouds. The present invention furtherallows printing in any languages supported by web browsers, in general.The present invention automatically checks the status of the TM printerbefore printing. There is no need for checking the status of the TMprinter in advance. The present system does not respond to a printer'sfunction to automatically send its status (such as an AutoStatusBackfunction). Instead, the present system is capable of sending an emptyprint command and checking (i.e., determining) the status of the TMprinter based on the result of the command transmission. Nonetheless, tochange the printer settings, utility programs dedicated to each printer,or other utility programs, may be used. Thus, the present inventionallows printing by TM printers via TM intelligent printers. The presentinvention thus may provide both an ePOS-Print API and anePOS-Print-Canvas API. As is discussed above, the present inventionfurther allows device fonts to be used for printing, allows barcodeprinting, allows printing of images rendered in HTML5 Canvas and allowsTrueType fonts to be used for printing. Preferably, the presentinvention allows device fonts to be used for printing and allows barcodeprinting. Further preferably, the ePOS-Print-Canvas API allows printingof images rendered in HTML5 Canvas and allows TrueType fonts to be usedfor printing.

FIG. 7 shows examples of the type of printing that may be implemented bymeans of the ePOS-Print API. Two receipts 81 and 83 are shown. Receipt81 shows examples the execution of various print commands, as discussedabove. Receipt 81 shows examples of printing a logo, text alignment(centered), paper feed, and paper cut. Receipt 83 shows examples ofexecuting print commands for: printing a raster image, printing text ina double-sized width style, scaling such as scale=x6 (horizontal) and x4(vertical), alignment (center), and printing a barcode.

FIG. 8 shows examples of the type of printing that may be implemented bymeans of the ePOS-Print-Canvas API. In the present example, the graphiccreated by HTML5 Canvas includes a barcode, which is typically amonochrome graphic (or image) and a pictorial graphic immediately abovethe barcode. The pictorial graphic may be monochrome, or grayscale, orcolor.

FIG. 9 is an example of print flow in accord with an embodiment of thepresent invention. The present example shows a server, a wireless LANrouter, web browser, a TM intelligent printer, and printers that can becontrolled. Preferably, the web application (i.e., web page) in accordwith the present invention may be placed (i.e., maintained) in theserver, and the web browser displays the web application. In operation,the Web browser may send print data to the TM intelligent printer (orintelligent module), the TM intelligent printer sends the print data tothe appropriate printers under its control, and these printers print thedata. The TM intelligent printer then returns a response document to theweb browser (i.e., to the terminal that runs the web browser).

The ePOS-Print API may provide multiple functions. For example, it canprovide print setting functions, such as alignment (for example textalignment), line feed space, text rotation, and page mode. It can alsoprovide multiple character data settings (for example, text characters),such as language, font (device font), double-sizing, scale, smoothing,and print position. It can also provide character style settings, suchas inversion of black and white, underline, and bold. It may furtherinclude printer operation controls such as paper feed setting (in dotscount or in line count). The ePOS-Print API preferably also providesimage printing (i.e., raster image and NV graphics), barcode printing,and two dimensional symbol printing. It may further provide a ruled linesetting, drawer kick function, buzzer function, ESC/POS commandtransmission, response document acquisition (print result, printerstatus and/or system error status).

The ePOS-Print-Canvas API may also provide multiple functions. Forexample, it may provide printing of images (raster images) rendered inHTML5 Canvas, feed and cut functions, and response document acquisition(such as print result, printer status, and/or system error status).

The preferred web browser is therefore a browser that supports HTML5.Examples of web browsers that support HTML5 are Windows InternetExplorer 9 or later, Mozilla Firefox 3.6 or later, Google Chrome 7 orlater, Safari in iOS4.0 or later, and the standard browser in Android2.2 or later.

A system construction example in accord with the present invention isshown in FIG. 10. This example again shows a (web) server (in which theweb applications, i.e., web pages, are placed), a terminal (on which aweb browser that supports HTML5 is installed), an optional wireless LANrouter, a TM intelligent printer, and the printers that can becontrolled by the TM intelligent printer. Like before, the TMIntelligent Printer receives and prints print-data sent from the webbrowser and/or controls other devices, and the printers under itscontrol print the print-data received from the TM intelligent printer.

FIG. 11 shows the registering of a web application into a TM intelligentprinter. As is explained above, the terminal executes (i.e., accesses)the web application (i.e., web page) using a browser, and sends devicecontrol (which may include print data) to the TM intelligent printer.The TM intelligent printer then prints the received print data sent fromthe web browser.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, some restrictionsmay be imposed. For example, a printer's drawer and buzzer may not beused together. Naturally, the buzzer function cannot be used if theprinter does not have a buzzer.

The present invention may also respect restrictions provided by specificweb browsers. For example, Internet Explorer 9 does not allow printingto the printer to be performed from security-protected Web pages (whichare typically identified by the address header “HTTPS”).

FIG. 12 provides an example of a sample program screen created using theePOS-Print API in accord with the present invention. The followingexamples assume that the web server is configured using IIS (MicrosoftInternet Information Services). Box 1 illustrates a queue ticket, box 2illustrates a coupon, and box 3 identifies a “settings” actuationbutton. In one embodiment, box 1 may print queue ticket numbers and box2 naturally prints coupons.

FIG. 13 is an example of a settings window that may be called up inresponse to actuation of the settings button of FIG. 12. The settingsmay include the network address (i.e., IP address) of the intelligentprinter (i.e., of the intelligent module as explained above), the deviceID of the target printer, a timeout setting, and an option to print ingrayscale.

FIG. 14 shows a first sample print-out using the ePOS-Print API and asecond sample print-out using the ePOS-Print-Canvas API. As illustrated,the ePOS-Print-Canvas API is preferably used to print graphics.

FIG. 15 shows a sample flow chart illustrating a process step flow fromits initial display state up to print job completion. This is an exampleof queue ticket number issuance printed using the ePOS-Print API. Theprocess begins by opening the web application (i.e., the sample programweb page), step 91. The settings are then entered, step 93. Somesettings may include the IP address of the TM intelligent printer, thedevice ID of the printer to be controlled and a (print) timeout time.The proper queue ticket is crated by selecting (i.e., clicking) an“Issue queue ticket number” option, as illustrated by step 95. AnePOS-Print Builder Object may then be called to create the print data(step 95). The ePOS-Print Object then creates the prints (step 99).

FIG. 16 shows a sample flow chart illustrating a process step flow forcoupon issuance. This is an example of the ePOS-Print Canvas API. Theprocess flow begins by opening the web page in accord with the presentinvention (step 101). If needed, one may enter settings (step 103).Example of settings are the IP address of the TM intelligent printer,the device ID of the printer to be used for printing, and a printtimeout time. One then clicks (i.e., actuates/selects) an “issue coupon”option (step 105). The web page then renders the coupon in HTML5 Canvas(step 107). Finally in step 109, the web page issues a print request tothe TM intelligent printer (i.e., intelligent module) using theePOS-Print Canvas API (i.e., the ePOS-Print Canvas API Object).

FIG. 17 is an example of an operating environment in accord with thepresent invention. Basically, FIG. 17 provides a system configurationdiagram for some sample programs discussed below. FIG. 17 shows a webserver with a fixed IP address of (192.168.192.10). The web server mayconfigure the environment settings. The web server communicates directlywith a wireless LAN router, which may have a fixed IP address of, forexample, (192.168.192.1). The wireless LAN router provides acommunication path (such as a wired connection) between the TMIntelligent Printer (which may have a fixed IP address of, for example(192.168.192.20)) and an optional second printer that may be controlledby the TM Intelligent Printer. Preferably, the optional second printeralso has a fixed IP address of, for example (192.168.192.21). In thepresent implementation, the wireless LAN router provides a wirelesscommunication link to a terminal that has an HTML5-supported webbrowser, and on which the web page in accord with the present inventionmay be executed. In the present example, the terminal has a dynamicnetwork address (illustrated as (192.168.192.XXX)), and which can beissued by DHCP. For example, the wireless LAN router may issue an IPaddress to the terminal by DHCP.

FIG. 18 shows a process flow for configuring the environment settingsfor a sample program. In step 111, one begins by configuring the routersettings, such as SSID, IP address, DHCP, and allocated IP address. Nextin step 113, one configures the computer settings. This may be dividedinto a first sub-step 113 a of configuring the network settings for thecomputer, such as the IP address, and a second sub-step 113 b ofconfiguring the web server on the computer. In step 115, one registersthe program to execute. In the present example, a sample program calledePOS-Print_API_UM_E_Sample is registered. One then provides terminalsettings (step 117), such as configuring the wireless LAN (Wi-Fi)settings of the terminal to match the router settings so as to enablenetwork connection. In step 119, the network settings for the TMIntelligent Printer are configured. This may be done via a web browser.Next in step 121 the network settings for the printer to be controlledare configured. These settings may be configured by using a networksetting utility, as is known in the art. Optional device ID Settings areprovided in step 123. These settings may be configured via a webbrowser, but are not required in the present sample program. Finally instep 125, any needed program settings may be configured via a webbrowser. It is noted that no program settings are needed in the presentsample program.

FIG. 19 is an example of Network Settings for the TM IntelligentPrinter. One may begin by starting the web browser and entering the IPaddress of the TM intelligent printer interface into the address bar127. One may then select a configuration, such as wired TCP/IP orwireless TCP/IP, as illustrated by 129. The “TCP/IP Setting” screen thenappears and one configures the network settings for the TM intelligentprinter, as illustrated by 131. To test the IP address, one may submit astatus sheet using the TM intelligent printer.

FIG. 20 is an example of device settings. For example, one may set theID of the printer to be controlled by ePOS-Print into the TM intelligentprinter. On may use the web browser to enter the IP address of the TMIntelligent Printer (133). One then selects device to configure (135). A“Device Settings” screen 137 appears. FIG. 21 shows examples of devicessettings that may be configured. Information 139 on the registereddevices is displayed.

Execution of the above configuration and registration sequence willresult in the sample program screen of FIG. 12.

Next is discussed a guide for programming using ePOS print, i.e., usingprint APIs in accord with the present invention.

Preferably, there are two types of print modes: standard mode and pagemode. In standard mode, characters are printed line by line. The linefeed space is adjusted based on the font size and the height of images,i.e., barcodes, etc. The standard mode is suitable for printingreceipts, or other types of printing that require the paper length tochange according to the print space.

In page mode, a print area is set (i.e., defined), data is laid out init, and the data is printed in a batch operation. For example,characters, images, and barcodes may be laid out in the print area byposition coordinates, the resultant print area is then printed in abatch operation.

FIG. 22 show a sample work flow for programming using the ePOS-PrintAPI. A first step 141 is to embed the ePOS-Print API in a web page.Preferably, the ePOS-Print API is provided as JavaScript, and may followthe following file naming convention: “epos-print-2.x.x.js”. That is,the ePOS-Print API is provided so that ePOS-Print can be used as aJavaScript on a client device. The ePOS-Print API is used by embeddingepos-print-2.x.x.js into applications (such as web pages). To use theePOS-Print API, epos-print-2.x.x.js is placed (i.e., provided) on theWeb server, and distributed to clients. For example, the ePOS-Print APIscript may be embedding into a web page by using the HTML <script> tags.FIG. 23 shows an example of using the HTML <script> tag to embed anePOS-Print API.

The next step 143 is to create the document that is to be printed. Aprint document may be created using an ePOS-Print Builder object. Forexample, an ePOS-Print Builder object is created using the constructorfor it, and the print document is created using the object's methods.The print document may be acquired using a toString method, or otherprint API methods/functions, as listed below. FIG. 24 shows an example aprogram code segment for creating a print document.

To create a text print document, one stores the font settings into thecommand buffer using text methods and then creates the print document.FIG. 25 illustrates a sample script code for creating a text printdocument. The sample script code uses a font called FontA, sets a textscale of x4 horizontal and x4 vertical, and sets the style to Bold. Theresult of the sample script is to create a print document with the text,“Hello World” with the specified text settings.

FIG. 26 provides sample script code creating a graphic print document.More specifically, the sample script code creates a print document forthe image file logo.bmp. Basically, it describes one way of printing araster image. Another method of printing graphics registered innon-volatile memory within a printer is discussed below. To create thegraphic print document in the present example, a raster image obtainedby rendering an image in HTML5 Canvas is stored into the command bufferusing an addImage method.

Another method for creating a print document, as illustrated in step 143of FIG. 22 is to create a page mode print document. FIG. 27 illustratessample code for creating a page mode print document. The examples addsthe phrase, “Hello world” to a print region. The following example usesan addPageBegin method. When the addPageBegin method is stored in thecommand buffer, the page mode starts. The print area is stored into thecommand buffer (by means of an addPageArea method), and the print startposition is stored (by means of an addPagePosition method) into thecommand buffer. The print start position is then specified according tothe print data. The methods are then stored into the command buffer tocreate the print data. For the end of page mode, a PageEnd method isstored into the command buffer.

Returning to FIG. 22, following the print document creation step 143, isa step 145 for transmitting the created print document. FIG. 28 providessample code for transmission of a print document. In the presentexample, a print document is sent using an ePOS-Print object. TheePOS-Print object may be created using the constructor and the end pointaddress for the printer to be used for printing as well as the printdocument may be specified (i.e., input) into a send method to send thedocument. FIG. 29 provides a table with details about the printer endpoint address.

As shown in FIG. 22, the last step 147 is reception of the print data.The print result can be received by setting a callback function using anonreceive property (discussed below) of the ePOS-Print object. FIG. 30provides sample code for implementing a callback function. Examples ofthe information that may be obtained include the print result, errorcodes, and printer status. FIG. 31 provides an example of an errorhandling method for a callback function. FIG. 32 illustrates the use ofthe status event notification function to check the printer statuswithout printing.

FIG. 33 illustrates a workflow for programming using ePOS-Print-CanvasAPI. like in the case of ePOS-Print API, ePOS-Print-Canvas API beginswith a step 151 of embedding the ePOS-Print-Canvas API into a web page.FIG. 34 shows sample code for embedding an ePOS-Print-Canvas API. Forillustration purposes, the ePOS-Print-Canvas API is shown as JavaScript,and preferably follows the naming convention: “epos-print-2.x.x.js”. TheePOS-Print-Canvas API may be maintained (i.e., placed/kept/stored) inthe web server and then distributed to clients for embedding into theirapplications (i.e., web pages). As shown in the FIG. 34, theePOS-Print-Canvas API may be embedded into a web application by usingHTML <script> tags.

The next step 153 in FIG. 33 is to render in HTML5-Canvas. FIG. 35provides sample code for rendering in HTML5-Canvas. The next step 155 isto print the rendered canvas image. FIG. 36 provides sample code fortransmitting a print document for printing. To print the content drawnHTML5-Canvas using the ePOS-Print Canvas API, an ePOS-Print Canvas APIobject is created using the constructor. To use the Print method, onespecifies the end point address for the printer to be used for printingas well as the canvas content and whether to select paper cut, and thenthe document is print.

The TM intelligent printer (i.e., the intelligent module) receives thetransmission, as indicated by step 157. FIG. 37 shows sample code forprinting a result receipt and callback function. As before, the printresult can be received by setting a callback function using theonreceive property of the ePOS-Print Canvas API object. In this manner,one can obtain information on the print result, error code and printerstatus. FIG. 38 provides sample code for error handling by a callbackfunction. Thus, the status event notification function can be used tocheck the printer status without printing, as shown in the sample codeof FIG. 39.

As is mentioned above, the ePOS-Print API provides many methods forcreating a print document. FIGS. 40, 41, 42 a and 42 b list some of themethods and components of the ePOS-Print API as defined by anePOSBuilder object.

As it would be understood by one versed in the art, a new ePOS-PrintBuilder object is created and initialized by means of a contractor, anthe object can then be used to create a print document for printingcontrol commands that specify strings or graphics to be printed, papercut, etc. Preferably, this constructor follows the following syntax:“ePOSBuilder( )”. FIG. 43 provides sample code for the constructor of anePOS-Print Builder object.

The syntax for adding text alignment settings to the command buffer mayfollow syntax: addTextAlign(align), where “align” specifies the type ofalignment. FIG. 44 provides examples of types of alignment parameters.FIG. 45 provides the return value for the ePOS-Print Builder object, andFIG. 46 illustrates exception error. FIG. 47 provides sample codeillustrating the use of text alignment.

The method to add a line feed space setting to the command bufferpreferably follows the syntax: addTextLineSpace(linespc). Parameter“linespc” specifies the line feed space (in dots), and preferably aninteger in the range from 0 to 255. FIG. 48 provides sample code to setthe line feed space to 30 dots.

The method to add a text rotation setting to the command bufferpreferably follows the following syntax: addTextRotate(rotate), where“rotate” is a Boolean that specifies whether to rotate text. FIG. 49illustrates Boolean values for the rotate parameter. FIG. 50 providessample code to set text rotation.

The method to add the printing of text to the command buffer preferablyfollows the syntax: addText(data), where the parameter “data” is thecharacter string to be printed. Nonprintable characters, such ashorizontal tab and line feed may use escape sequences, as illustrated inFIG. 51. FIG. 52 provides sample code illustrating the use ofaddText(data).

The method to add the language setting to the command buffer preferablyfollows the syntax: addTextLang(lang), where parameter “lang” is astring that specifies the target language. FIG. 53 provides examples ofparameter “lang” to designate a target language. FIG. 54 provides samplecode illustrating the use of method addTextLang(lang).

The method to add the text font setting to the command buffer preferablyfollows syntax: addTextFont(font), wherein parameter “font” is a stringthat specifies a desired font. FIG. 55 illustrates sample values for thefont parameter, and FIG. 56 provides sample code illustrating the use ofthe addTextFont(font) method.

The method to add the smoothing setting to the command buffer preferablyfollows syntax: addTextSmooth(smooth), where parameter “smooth” is aBoolean that specifies whether to enable smoothing. FIG. 57 illustratespossible values for parameter “smooth”, and FIG. 58 provides sample codeillustrating the use of method addTextSmooth(smooth).

The method to add the double-sized text setting to the command bufferpreferably follows syntax: addTextDouble(dw, dh), where dw is anoptional Boolean parameter that specifies the double-sized width and dhis an optional Boolean parameter that specifies the double-sized height.FIG. 59 describes parameter values for dw, and FIG. 60 describesparameter values for dh. FIG. 61 provides sample code to set the textsize to double width and double height.

The method to add the text scale setting to the command bufferpreferably follows syntax: addTextSize(width, height), where parameter“width” is an optional number parameter that specifies the horizontalscale of text and parameter “height” is an optional number parameterspecifies the vertical scale of text. FIG. 62 illustrates possiblevalues for parameter “width” and FIG. 63 illustrates possible values forparameter “height”. FIG. 64 shows sample code to set a horizontal scaleof x 4 and a vertical scale of x 4.

The method to add the text style setting to the command bufferpreferably follows syntax: addTextStyle(reverse, ul, em, color), where“reverse” is an optional Boolean parameter that specifies whether toinversion the black and white for text, “ul” is an optional Booleanparameter that specifies an underline style, “em” is an optional Booleanparameter that specifies a bold style, and “color” is an optional stringparameter that specifies the color. FIG. 65 shows possible values forparameter “reverse”. FIG. 66 shows possible values for parameter “ul”.FIG. 67 shows possible values for parameter “em”. FIG. 68 shows possiblevalues for parameter “color”. FIG. 69 provides sample code to set theunderline style.

The method to add the horizontal print start position of text to thecommand buffer preferably follows syntax: addTextPosition(x), where “x”is a number parameter that specifies the horizontal print start position(in dots) and is an integer in the range from 0 to 65535. FIG. 70 showssample code to set the print position at 120 dots from the left end.

The method to add paper feeding in dots to the command buffer preferablyfollows syntax: addFeedUnit(unit), where “unit” is a number parameterthat specifies the paper feed space (in dots) and is an integer in therange from 0 to 255. FIG. 71 shows sample code to feed paper by 30 dots.

The method to add paper feeding in lines to the command bufferpreferably follows syntax: addFeedLine(line), where “line” is an integernumber parameter that specifies the paper feed space (in lines) and inthe range from 0 to 255. FIG. 72 shows sample code to feed paper by 3lines.

The method to add a line feed to the command buffer preferably followssyntax: addFeed( ). FIG. 73 shows sample code to start a new line afterprinting a character string.

The addImage method adds raster image printing to the command buffer,and prints graphics rendered in HTML5-Canvas. The method furtherconverts the specified range in a RGBA full-color image of HTML5-Canvasinto raster image data according to the settings of the halftone andbrightness properties. It is assumed that one pixel in an image equalsto one printer dot, and when an image contains any transparent color,the background color of the image is assumed to be white. Preferably itfollows syntax: addImage(context, x, y, width, height, color, mode),where “context” is context parameter that specifies the 2D context ofHTML5-Canvas, “x” is an integer number in the range from 0 to 65535 andspecifies the horizontal start position in the print area, “y” is aninteger number in the range from 0 to 65535 and specifies the verticalstart position in the print area, “width” is an integer number in therange from 0 to 65535 and specifies the width of the print area,“height” is an integer number in the range from 0 to 65535 and specifiesheight of the print area, “color” is an optional string parameter thatspecifies color (FIG. 74 shows sample values for parameter “color”within the addImage method), and “mode” is an optional string parameterthat specifies the color mode (FIG. 75 shows sample values for parameter“mode” within the addImage method.). FIG. 76 provides sample code toprint an image 300 dots wide and 300 dots high in page mode.

The method to add NV logo printing to the command buffer preferablyfollows syntax addLogo(key1, key2). This method prints a logo that isalready registered in the NV memory of a printer. Parameter key1 is anumber that specifies a first key code 1 of an NV logo and is preferablyan integer in the range from 0 to 255. Parameter key2 is a number thatspecifies a second key code 2 of an NV logo and is preferably an integerin the range from 0 to 255. FIG. 77 shows sample code illustrating theuse of the addLogo method.

The method to add barcode printing to the command buffer preferablyfollows syntax: addBarcode(data, type, hri, font, width, height).Parameter “data” is string that specifies the barcode data as a string.Parameter “type” is a string that specifies the barcode type. FIGS. 78to 81 provide examples of barcode types. Parameter “hri” is an optionalstring parameter that specifies the HRI position. FIG. 82 illustratessome possible values for the hri parameter. Parameter “font” is anoptional string that specifies the HRI font. Parameter “width” is anoptional integer number that specifies the width of each module in dotsand is preferably in the range from 2 to 6. Parameter “height” is anoptional integer number that specifies the barcode height in dots and ispreferable in the range from 1 to 255. FIG. 83 provides sample codeillustrating how to print barcodes.

The method to add two-dimensional symbol printing to the command bufferpreferably follows syntax: addSymbol(data, type, level, width, height,size). Parameter “data” is preferably a string that specifiestwo-dimensional (2D) symbol data as a character string. FIGS. 84 and 85provide examples of 2D-Code type descriptions for parameter “data”within the addSymbol method. Parameter “type” is string that specifiesthe two-dimensional symbol type. FIG. 86 provides sample values forparameter “type” within the addSymbol method. Parameter “level” is astring that specifies the error correction level. FIG. 87 providessample values for parameter “level” within the addSymbol method. The“width” parameter is an integer number in the range from 0 to 255 thatspecifies the module width. The “height” parameter is an integer numberin the range from 0 to 255 that specifies the module height. The “size”parameter is an integer number in the range from 0 to 65535 thatspecifies the two-dimensional symbol maximum size. FIG. 88 providessample code to print two-dimensional symbols.

The method to add horizontal line printing to the command buffer to drawhorizontal lines preferably follows syntax addHLine(x1, x2, style),where parameter x1 is an integer number in the range from 0 to 65535 andspecifies the start position of the horizontal line (in dots), parameterx2 is an integer number in the range from 0 to 65535 and specifies theend position of the horizontal line (in dots), and parameter style is astring that specifies the line type. FIG. 89 illustrates some styleparameters for the addHline method. FIG. 90 shows sample code to drawdouble horizontal lines at a position between 100 dots and 200 dots fromthe left end and at a position between 400 dots and 500 dots from theleft end.

The method to add the beginning of a vertical line to the command buffer(i.e., to starts the drawing of vertical lines) follows syntaxaddVLineBegin(x, style), where parameter x is an integer number in therange from 0 to 65535 and specifies the start position of the verticalline (in dots), and parameter “style” is an optional string thatspecifies the line type. FIG. 91 provides examples of parameter stylefor the addVLineBegin method. FIG. 92 provides sample code to draw thinvertical lines at 100 dots and 200 dots from the left end.

The method to add the end of a vertical line to the command buffer(i.e., to finish drawing vertical lines) follows syntax addVLineEnd(x,style), where parameter x is an integer number in the range from 0 to65535 and specifies the end position of the vertical line (in dots), andparameter “style” is an optional string that specifies the type of lineone wants to finish drawing. FIG. 91 provides examples of parameterstyle for the addVLineEnd method. FIG. 94 provides sample code to drawthin vertical lines at 100 dots and 200 dots from the left end.

The method to add the switching to page mode to the command buffer(i.e., to start the page mode process) follows syntax addPageBegin( ).The method to add the end of page mode to the command buffer (i.e., toend the page mode process) follows syntax addPageEnd( ). FIG. 95 showssample code to print characters “ABCDE” in page mode.

Method addPageArea(x, y, width, height) adds the print area in page modeto the command buffer to specify the print area in page mode(coordinates). After this API function, a print data API function (suchas the addText method) should be specified. Parameter “x” is an integerin the range from 0 to 65535 and specifies the origin of the horizontalaxis (in dots), where 0 is the left end of the printer's printable area.Parameter “y” is an integer in the range from 0 to 65535 and specifiesthe origin of the vertical axis (in dots), where 0 is the position inwhich no paper feed has been performed. Parameter “width” is an integernumber from 0 to 65535 that specifies the width of the print area (indots). FIG. 96 shows sample code to specify the print area with theorigin (100, 50), a width of 200 dots, and a height of 30 dots and printthe characters “ABCDE”.

The method to add the page mode print direction setting to the commandbuffer (i.e., to specify the print direction in page mode) followssyntax addPageDirection(dir). This function may be omitted if rotationis not required. Parameter “dir” is a string that specifies the printdirection in page mode. FIG. 97 provides some examples for parameter“dir” of method addPageDirection. FIG. 98 provides sample code to printcharacters “ABCDE” by rotating them 90 degrees clockwise.

The method to add the page mode print-position-set area to the commandbuffer (i.e., to specify the print start position (coordinates) in thearea specified by the addPageArea method) has syntax addPagePosition(x,y). Parameter x is an integer number from 0 to 65535 that specifies thehorizontal print position (in dots). Parameter y is an integer numberfrom 0 to 65535 that specifies the vertical print position (in dots).FIG. 99 shows sample code to specify (50,30) for the print startposition in the area specified by the addPageArea method and print thecharacters “ABCDE”.

The method to add line drawing in page mode to the command buffer (i.e.,draws a line in page mode) follows syntax addPageLine(x1, y1, x2, y2,style). Parameter x1 is an integer number from 0 to 65535 that specifiesthe horizontal start position of the line (in dots). Parameter y1 is aninteger number from 0 to 65535 that specifies the vertical startposition of the line (in dots). Parameter x2 is an integer number from 0to 65535 that specifies the horizontal end position of the line (indots). Parameter y2 is an integer number from 0 to 65535 that specifiesthe vertical end position of the line (in dots). Parameter “style” is astring that specifies the line type. FIG. 100 provides examples of the“style” parameter in method addPageLine. FIG. 101 provides sample codeto draw a thin solid line between start position (100, 0) and endposition (500, 0).

The method to add a rectangle drawing in page mode to the command buffer(i.e., to draw a rectangle in page mode) follows syntaxaddPageRectangle(x1, y1, x2, y2, style). Parameter x1 is an integernumber from 0 to 65535 and specifies the horizontal start position ofthe line (in dots). Parameter y1 is an integer number from 0 to 65535and specifies the vertical start position of the line (in dots).Parameter x2 is an integer number from 0 to 65535 and specifies thehorizontal end position of the line (in dots). Parameter y2 is aninteger number from 0 to 65535 and specifies the vertical end positionof the line (in dots). Parameter “style” is a string that specifies theline type. FIG. 102 provides examples of the “style” parameter in methodaddPageRectangle. FIG. 103 shows sample code to draw a rectangle with athin double line, with the start position (100, 0) and the end position(500, 200) as its vertexes.

The method to add paper cut to the command buffer (i.e., to set/actuate)paper cut) follows syntax addCut(type), where parameter “type” is astring that specifies the paper cut type. FIG. 104 shows sample typesfor method addCut. FIG. 105 provides sample code to perform a feed cutoperation.

The method to add a drawer kick to the command buffer has syntaxaddPulse(drawer, time). Parameter “drawer” is a string that specifiesthe drawer kick connector. FIG. 106 shows examples of parameter “drawer”for method addCut. Parameter “time” is an optional parameter string thatspecifies the ON time (i.e., duration) of the drawer kick signal. FIG.107 shows examples of parameter “time” for method addCut. FIG. 108 showsample code to send a 100 msec pulse signal to pin “2” of a drawer kickconnector.

The method to add the turning ON of the buzzer to the command buffer(i.e., to set the buzzer) follows syntax addSound(pattern, repeat).Parameter “pattern” is an optional string that specifies the buzzerpattern. FIG. 109 show examples of buzzer patterns. Parameter “repeat”is an optional string specifies the number of repeats. FIG. 110 showsexamples of how to set parameter “repeat” in method addSound. FIG. 111shows sample code to repeat a sound pattern “A” three times.

The method to add commands to the command buffer (i.e., to send ESC/POScommands) has syntax addCommand(data), where “data” is an optionalstring that specifies ESC/POS command as a character string.

The method to obtain a print document generated by an ePOS-Print Builderobject has syntax toString( ). FIG. 112 shows sample code illustratingthe use of method to String( ).

A halftone property is implemented by means of a halftone processingmethod, whose object type is “string”. FIG. 113 shows the specifying ofthe halftone processing method to be applied to monochrome (two-tone)printing. The default value is HALFTONE_DITHER. FIG. 114 shows samplecode to set the halftone type as error diffusion.

Brightness correction may be set by setting a gamma value. A gamma valuein the range 0.1 to 10.0 is specified (i.e., available) for thebrightness correction value. FIG. 115 provides sample code to setbrightness as 2.2.

Commands, which are usually added by methods of the ePOS-Print Builderobject, can be operated directly from this property for addition ordeletion. FIG. 116 provides sample code to clear the command buffer andreset it to the initial state.

The constructor for an ePOS-Print object creates a new ePOS-Print objectand initializes it. The method to send a print document created using anePOS-Print Builder object to control the printer and monitor thetransmission result or the communication status has syntaxePOSPrint(address), where “address” is a optional string that specifiesthe URL (i.e., network address) of the printer to which a print documentis sent. FIG. 117 provides sample code illustrating the use ofePOSPring(address).

The send method sends a print document created using an ePOS-PrintBuilder object. It has syntax send(request), where “request” is a stringthat specifies print document. FIG. 118 provides sample codeillustrating the use of the send(request) method.

The open method enables status event operation. It sends the status ofthe printer specified by the address property using an event, andupdates the status at the interval specified by an interval property. Ithas the syntax open( ). FIG. 119 provides sample code illustrating theuse of the open( ) method.

The close( ) method disables status event operation. FIG. 120 providessample code illustrating the use of the close( ) method.

The address property is used to specify URL of the printer to be usedfor printing. FIG. 121 provides an example of the use of the addressproperty.

The enabled property is a Boolean value that retains theenabled/disabled setting for status event operation. Theenabled/disabled setting for status event operation is retained using alogical value. This is read-only. The default value is false. FIG. 122provides an example of using the enabled property.

The interval property specifies the interval of upgrading the status.The interval of upgrading the status is specified in milliseconds. Ithas a default value of 3000 ms (three seconds), and a minimum value of1000 ms (one second or longer). When an invalid value is specified, itis assumed to be 3000 ms. FIG. 123 provides an example of using theinterval property.

The status property provides the status of a printer. This is the statuslast obtained from the printer, and is read-only. FIG. 124 provides anexample of using the status property.

An onreceive event is a property that registers the callback functionand obtains a response message receipt event. It has syntax:Function(response). The parameter of the callback function include: aresponse as a parameter, response message as name and object as objecttype. FIG. 125 shows some properties of the response object. FIG. 126shows value of success. FIG. 127 shows value of code. FIG. 128 showsvalue of status. FIG. 129 shows sample code to create and send a printdocument, and to display the print result in a message box.

The onerror event property registers the callback function and obtains acommunication error event. It has syntax: Function (error). FIG. 130lists some properties of the error object. FIG. 131 shows sample code tocreate and send a print document and to display the HTTP status code ina message box when a communication error occurs.

The onstatuschange event registers a callback function to obtain astatus change event. It has syntax: Function (status). FIG. 132 providesan example of using the onstatuschange property.

The ononline event registers a callback function to obtain an onlineevent. It has syntax: Function ( ) FIG. 133 provides an example of usingthe ononline property.

The onoffline event registers a callback function to obtain an offlineevent. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 134 provides an example ofusing the onoffline property.

The onpoweroff event registers a callback function to obtain anon-response event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 135 provides anexample of using the onpoweroff event.

The oncoverok event registers a callback function to obtain a coverclose event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 136 provides anexample of using the oncoverok event.

The oncoveropen event registers a callback function to obtain a coveropen event. Its syntax is also Function ( ). FIG. 137 provides anexample of using the oncoveropen event.

The onpaperok event registers a callback function to obtain a paperremaining event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 138 provides anexample of using the onpaperok event.

The onpapernearend event registers a callback function to obtain a papernear end event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 139 provides anexample of using the onpapernearend event.

The onpaperend event registers a callback function to obtain a paper endevent. Its syntax is also Function ( ). FIG. 140 provides an example ofusing the onpaperend event.

The ondrawerclosed event registers a callback function to obtain adrawer close event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 141 provides anexample of using the ondrawerclosed event.

The ondraweropen event registers a callback function to obtain a draweropen event. Its syntax is also Function ( ). FIG. 142 provides anexample of using the ondraweropen event.

The following a discussion of some ePOS-Print-Canvas API functions. FIG.143 provides a list of some components of the ePOS-Print-Canvas API.

The ePOS-Print-Canvas API object prints a print image rendered inHTML5-Canvas and monitors the print result or the communication status.A constructor for an ePOS-Print Canvas API object is used to create anew ePOS-Print Canvas API object and initializes it. The syntax isCanvasPrint(address), where “address” is an optional string thatspecifies an address property (URL of printer to be used for printing).FIG. 144 is sample code illustrating the creation of a newePOS-Print-Canvas API object.

The print method prints an image rendered in HTML5-Canvas. It converts aspecified range in an RGBA full-color image of HTML5-Canvas into araster image data according to the settings of the halftone andbrightness properties. One pixel in an image equals to one printer dot.When an image contains any transparent color, the background color ofthe image is assumed to be white. The print method has syntax:print(canvas, cut, mode). Parameter “canvas” specifies the HTML5-Canvasobject to be printed. Parameter “cut” is an optional Boolean that setswhether to cut paper. FIG. 145 shows examples of parameter “cut”.Parameter “mode” is an optional string that specifies the color mode.FIG. 146 shows examples of parameter “mode”. FIG. 147 provides samplecode to print Canvas(ID=‘myCanvas’).

The open method Enables status event operation. It sends the status ofthe printer specified by the address property using an event, andupdates the status at an interval specified by an interval property. Ithas syntax open( ). FIG. 148 is sample code illustrating the use of theopen( ) method.

The close method disables status event operation. It has syntax: close(). FIG. 149 is sample code illustrating the use of the close( ) method.

The address property specifies the URL of the printer to be used forprinting. FIG. 150 is sample code illustrating the use of the addressproperty.

The enabled property retains the enabled/disabled setting for statusevent operation. It is a Boolean type, and the enabled/disabled settingfor status event operation is retained using the logical Boolean value.This is read-only, and the default value is false. FIG. 151 is samplecode illustrating the use of the enabled property.

The interval property specifies the interval of upgrading the status.The interval of upgrading the status is specified in milliseconds. Thedefault value is 3000 ms (three seconds), and it has a minimum value of1000 ms (one second or longer). When an invalid value is specified, itis assumed to be 3000 ms, by default. FIG. 152 is sample codeillustrating the use of the interval property.

The status property provides the status of the printer. This is thestatus last obtained from the printer. It is read-only, and has adefault value of 0. FIG. 153 is sample code illustrating the use of thestatus property.

The halftone processing method specifies the halftone property appliedto monochrome (two-tone) printing. The default value is HALFTONE_DITHER.FIG. 154 illustrates some halftone properties. FIG. 155 is sample codeillustrating the use of the halftone property.

The brightness property is set using a gamma value. More specifically, agamma value in the range 0.1 to 10.0 is specified as a brightnesscorrection value. The default value is 1.0. FIG. 156 is sample codeillustrating the setting of the brightness property.

The onreceive event is a property that registers the callback functionand obtains a response message receipt event. It has syntax:Function(response). The parameter of the callback function include: aresponse as a parameter, response message as name and object as objecttype. FIG. 157 shows some properties of the response object. FIG. 158shows value of success. FIG. 159 shows value of code. FIG. 160 showsvalue of status. FIG. 161 shows sample code to printCanvas(ID=myCanvas), and to display the print result in a message box.

The onerror event property registers the callback function and obtains acommunication error event. It has syntax: Function (error). FIG. 162lists some properties of the error object. FIG. 163 shows sample code toprint Canvas(ID=myCanvas), and to display the HTTP status code in amessage box when a communication error occurs.

The onstatuschange event registers a callback function to obtain astatus change event. It has syntax: Function (status). FIG. 164 issample code illustrating the use of onstatuschange event.

The ononline event registers a callback function to obtain an onlineevent. It has syntax: Function ( ). FIG. 165 provides an example ofusing the ononline property.

The onoffline event registers a callback function to obtain an offlineevent. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 166 provides an example ofusing the onoffline property.

The onpoweroff event registers a callback function to obtain anon-response event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 167 provides anexample of using the onpoweroff event.

The oncoverok event registers a callback function to obtain a coverclose event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 168 provides anexample of using the oncoverok event

The oncoveropen event registers a callback function to obtain a coveropen event. Its syntax is also Function ( ). FIG. 169 provides anexample of using the oncoveropen event.

The onpaperok event registers a callback function to obtain a paperremaining event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 170 provides anexample of using the onpaperok event.

The onpapernearend event registers a callback function to obtain a papernear end event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 171 provides anexample of using the onpapernearend event.

The onpaperend event registers a callback function to obtain a paper endevent. Its syntax is also Function ( ). FIG. 172 provides an example ofusing the onpaperend event.

The ondrawerclosed event registers a callback function to obtain adrawer close event. Its syntax is also Function ( ). FIG. 173a providesan example of using the ondrawerclosed event.

The ondraweropen event registers a callback function to obtain a draweropen event. Its syntax is also Function ( ) FIG. 173b provides anexample of using the ondraweropen event.

Preferably, the present invention further incorporates an ePOS-Printeditor. The following discussion describes how to use an ePOS-Printeditor in accord with the present invention. This tool allows one tocreate an ePOS-Print API, and sample code at will. The followingePOS-print editor may be used to develop web applications in accord withthe present invention.

Preferably, the present ePOS Print editor operates within a web browserenvironment. It is preferred that the web browser support HTML5-Canvasin order to make use of all available print API method/objects. It istherefore preferred that the web browser is selected from among thefollowing (or similar) web browsers: Windows Internet Explorer 9 orlater, Mozilla Firefox 13 or later, Google Chrome 19 or later, AppleSafari 5.1.7 or later, and iPad Safari in iOS 5.1 or later.

If desired, the ePOS Print editor is maintained in (i.e., stored andaccessed from) a server, or an intelligent module (as described above),or a TM intelligent printer. For example to access the main page (i.e.,“index.html”, or home page) of present ePOS Print editor on an IPnetwork, one may enter in a web browser the editor's network addresssuch as: http://[(Web Server IP address), or (Intelligent module IPaddress), or (TM intelligent printer IP address)]/editor/index.html.Thus, if one has access to an intelligent module or TM intelligentprinter, either can function to provide text editing (more specificallyePOS print editing) to create a web page application with embedded printAPI, as described above.

Using the ePOS Print editor, one can describe the functionality desiredfor a customized ePOS-Print API or customized ePOS-Print-Canvas by usinga graphics user interface, i.e., GUI, to select the functions desired,and let the editor generate the necessary script code automatically. Theeditor may also be used by using the GUI to “draw” or depict ingraphical form a stencil or layout of how a printout should look, andagain the editor may generate the necessary script code to achieve thelook and function of the desired result.

FIG. 174 provides a sample main page (i.e., index.html, or home page)for an ePOS Print editor in accord with the present invention.Preferably, the ePOS Print editor is accessed via web browser 161 byentering the IP address of the ePOS Print editor 195 in the addressfield 163 of web browser 161. The main page of the ePOS Print editorincludes multiple tabs 165 a to 165 f that categorize the editor'scapabilities by function type. For example, tab 165 a selects “Edit”functions, which brings up a Main Edit area, or window, 167. Tab 165 bprovides “Preview” functions to preview how a project one is currentlyworking one will execute. The API tab 165 c may display model API codethat may be built upon to achieve a user's needs. Alternatively, the APItab may provide a selection of multiple, pre-defined print APIsaccommodating common user needs. Still alternatively, “API” 165 c maybring up a window displaying script code for a current project. Tab 165d is labeled “XML” and may be used to view and edit XML print files. Forexample, if one is previewing a project, XML tab 165 d may bring an XMLprint document of the current project. Still alternatively, one mayimport an existing XML print document for further editing. Besidesshowing scripting code generated by the present ePOS Print editor, in analternate embodiment either of API tab 165 c or XML tab 165 d mayfurther permit a user to manually edit the code. The print tab 165 ebrings up print options to print the current work, or to test thecurrent work by generating a print-out of a mock execution of thecurrent code viewable on the screen or sent to a connected printer. TheSetting tab 165 f permits one to enter needed settings for execution,such as the models of target printers, the IP address of the intelligentmodule or TM intelligent printer, the device ID of a target printer,time out settings, and/or option choices such as choosing whether or notto monitor a printer's status.

Main Edit area 167 provides a selection of different edit functionchoices (i.e., selectable via function icons or software “buttons”) thatmay be programmed into a print API in accord with the present invention.These functions are further sub-categorized.

For example, a first sub-category 169 provides the most commonoperations that most print document may use. This first sub-category islabeled “Common”, and includes functions such as “Align”, “Linespc” and“Rotate”. The Align function specifies a desired alignment for textand/or graphics (such as left-align, center-align, right-align, andcustomized-align). The Linespc function permits one to specify desiredline spacing in dots or in units of measure, such as inches and/orcentimeters. The Rotate function specifies a desired rotationorientation for text and/or graphics. The Rotate functions may bedivided into fixed choices, such as 90°, 180° or 270° or may be userspecified within a range from 0° to 360°.

A second sub-category 171 provides text-related functions and is labeled“Text”. The Text sub-category includes functions such as “Lang”, “Font”,“Position”, “Smooth”, “Size”, “Double”, “Style” and “Text”. The Langfunction serves to specify a specific language for printouts. Forexample one may select from among Japanese, English, Spanish, German,etc. The Font function specifies a specific font from a library ofinstalled font options. The Position function specifies how far from theleft border (or right border or top border or bottom border [if printingon fixed-sized sheets of paper]) text printing should start. As it isknown, text may take on a pixilated look depending on the size of aspecific font choice. The Smooth function removes this jagged pixilatedlook and provides smooth edges to text. The Size function specifies asize for specific text. The Double function provides a quick way ofspecifying that specific text that should be printed in double size. TheStyle function specifies a specific text style, i.e., underline, bold,italics, color-invert, etc. The Text function specifies regions forprinting specified text and/or specifies the text to be printed.

The third sub-category 173 provides paper-feed-related functions and islabeled “Paper Feed”. The Paper-Feed sub-category includes functionssuch as “By Unit”, “By Line”, and “LF”. The “By Unit” function specifiesan amount of paper feeding by unit of measure, such as dots, inches,and/or centimeters. The “By Line” function specifies an amount of paperfeeding by number of lines (i.e., in per line increments). The “LF”function provides a new line (i.e., increments by one line in a mannersimilar to the carriage-return function typing).

The fourth sub-category 175 provides image related functions and islabeled “Image”. The Image sub-category includes functions such as“Image” and “NV Logo”. The “Image” function provides for the insertionof user-provided images, and may also provide functions for a user tocreate (i.e., define) a new image using drawing software tools includingbasic shapes, such a lines, circles, rectangles, etc. The “NV Logo”function relies on addressable images already stored in a printer, andcalls up a selected one of those images by address, or local ID. Thatis, the address of NV Logo images may be an ID code that identifies aspecific stored image within a local (i.e., internal) memory space of(preferably) non-volatile memory within a printer. Typically, NV Logoimages are images of company logos, but they are not restricted to logosalone.

The fifth sub-category 177 provides bar code related functions and islabeled “Bar Code”. The Bar Code sub-category includes functions such as“Barcode” and “Symbol”. The “Barcode” function encodes linear barcodes(of user-specified type). That is, a user may provide information to beencoded, and select the “Barcode” function to generate a linear barcodethat encodes the provided information. The Barcode function may furtherinclude options such as size and position of a defined linear barcode.The “Symbol” function encodes matrix (i.e., 2-dimensional) barcodes of aspecific type, such as a QR Code. Again, the user may provideinformation (text and/or graphic) to be encoded, and select the “Symbol”function to generate a matrix barcode that encodes the providedinformation. The Symbol function may further include options such assize and position of a defined matrix barcode.

The sixth sub-category 179 provides page-mode related functions and islabeled “Page Mode”. The Page Mode sub-category includes functions suchas “Start”, “Area”, “Direction”, “Position”, and “End”. The “Start”function may specify the beginning position of a page mode area, and the“End” function may specify the ending position of the page mode area.The “Position” function may specify a position within a printing areawhere the page mode printing area should be located. The “Area” functionmay specify a specify area (i.e., 2-dimensional size) for the page modearea. Finally, the “Direction” function may specify an orientation forthe depicted contents of the page mode area. For example, if the pagemode contains text arranged horizontally, the “Direction” function maybe used to print the same text along a vertical direction.

A seventh sub-category 181 may group together all remaining functionsnot included in the first through sixth sub-categories, and is labeled“Other”. In the present example, the “Other” sub-category includesfunctions such as “Cut”, “Drawer”, Buzzer, and “Cmd”. The “Cmd” functionspecifies commands to be sent to a printer. Assuming that the printer isa POS printer having a paper cutter, drawer and buzzer, the “Cut”command issues a command to cut the print medium (i.e., paper) on whichthe printer prints, the drawer option inserts a command to kick open theprinter's drawer (may individually identify specific drawer latchconnectors to be actuated), and the buzzer defines a command for theprinter to actuate its buzzer in a specific buzzer pattern for aspecified duration and a specified number of repeated buzzingoperations.

FIG. 175 shows the Setting screen resulting from selection of the“Setting” tab 165 f of the ePOS Print editor 195 in accord with thepresent invention. The Setting screen provides a printer-model field 183to enter or select the model of a target printer. Also provided is anIP-Address field 185 to enter the IP address of the intelligent moduleor TM intelligent printer. Device-ID field 187 receives the device ID ofthe target printer, which may be an ID name assigned to the targetprinter. In Print-Timeout field 189 one may set a timeout (inmilliseconds) for attempted print operations. Also provides a selectionbutton 191 to choose whether or not to monitor a printer's status. FIG.176 provides a table summarizing some of the options provided by theSetting screen.

FIG. 177 provides another, but smaller, view of the Edit screen of theePOS Print editor in accord with the present invention. The present Editscreen is similar to that of FIG. 174 with the exception that FIG. 177additionally shows an Edit Area 193. Main Menu area 167 displays theavailable functions, as explained above. One may “click an icon” (i.e.,select a software button from Main Menu area 167) to add it to thebottom of Edit Area 193. One may also drag (or move) an icon to insertit anywhere in Edit Area 193. The location of the icon within Edit Area193 specifies the location (i.e., the order) of the relevant code withinthe final script code file. After placing a function icon (or element),one configures it as needed. For example, if the NV logo is added toEdit Area 167, then it is configured by entering the key code thatidentifies the image to be selected. It is to be understood that one mayhave multiple instances of the same function icon within Edit Area 193.Thus, Edit Area 193 displays the functions (i.e., elements) selected inthe menu area. At any time, these elements may be dragged up or downwithin Edit Area 193 to change its order of execution. Each element isgiven an “X” button at its right-side, and any element can be deletedusing its “X” button. An import option 197, ePOS-Print Editor can importXML data stored in the past. The Clear option 199 deletes the editeddetails within Edit Area 193.

Selecting Preview tab 165 b, as shown in FIG. 174 provides a previewimage. FIG. 178 shows a sample preview image of the ePOS Print editor inaccord with the present invention. This provides a preview 101 of aprinted document.

If a printer is connected, then an actual printing may be made to testthe code by selecting Print tab 165 e. FIG. 179 provides a sample viewof the present ePOS-Print editor with the Print tab selected. Print tab165 e may be used to view an XML print document of a preview image, ormay be used to import an XML print document. For example one may open anexisting XML print document using the Print tab 165 e, and may save thecontents of the XML print document, such as by copying. The ePOS-PrintXML document is displayed in the Data to be sent (ePOS-Print XML)section. Selecting the Send option sends data to a printer and performsprinting. The Information section displays the print status. Selectingthe Clear option deletes the content in the Information box.

FIG. 180 shows an import screen in accord with the present invention.The ePOS-Print XML print document to be imported is pasted and checkedin the “Data to be import (ePOS-Print XML)” section. Selecting the“Apply” option imports the ePOS-Print XML print document. Theinformation section displays any import/needed information. The “Close”option closes the import screen.

In a preferred embodiment of present invention, selecting API tab 165 c,as shown in FIG. 174, provides ePOS-Print sample code. FIG. 181 providesa sample view of the present ePOS-Print editor with the API tabselected. A user may make use of the sample code by copying it intotheir own code file or Edit Area.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with severalspecific embodiments, it is evident to those skilled in the art thatmany further alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparentin light of the foregoing description. Thus, the invention describedherein is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,applications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for sending an image rendered in ahypertext markup language (HTML rendered image), to a printer, andprinting the image by use of the printer, the method comprising stepsof: providing an intelligent module adapted to connect to the printer,the intelligent module configured to be set a network address; providinga user terminal having network access to the intelligent module, andconfigured to execute a web application; embedding an applicationprogram interface (API) in the web application, the API providing: (i) afirst property element user-input displayed on the user terminal andconfigured to designate a conversion method for converting the HTMLrendered image into raster image data, (ii) a second property elementuser-input displayed on the user terminal and configured to set thenetwork address of the intelligent module, and (iii) a method elementconfigured to convert the HTML rendered image into the raster image dataand send the converted raster image data to the intelligent module;converting, at the user terminal, the HTML rendered image into theraster image data by use of the method element, according to theconversion method designated by the first property element user-input;sending the converted raster image data from the user terminal to theintelligent module by use of the method element, according to theaddress designated by the second property element user-input; andsending the converted raster image data from the intelligent module tothe printer.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the printer lacks directaccess to the network.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: theAPI further provides a third property element user-input displayed onthe user terminal to designate the printer; and the API resolvesdesignation of the printer based on the network address of theintelligent module adapted to connect to the printer.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the HTML rendered image is rendered inHTML5 Canvas.
 5. A method for creating or editing a document in anapplication, the document adapted to be sent to a printer through anetwork, the application adapted to be executed by a web browser, themethod comprising: providing a user terminal having network access tothe printer, the user terminal having a web browser and configured toexecute the application, wherein execution of the application in theuser terminal includes: providing an object at the user terminal forcreating or editing the document, the object including a command bufferconfigured to receive commands for controlling the printer; displayingon the user terminal a setting screen having a first user-input to set anetwork address of the printer into an address property element;displaying on the user terminal an edit screen enabled to edit or createthe document, the edit screen including icons, each of the iconscorresponding to one of the commands for controlling the printer; inresponse to user selection of one of the icons, displaying, on the editscreen, an input box enabled to input a parameter of the commandcorresponding to the selected icon; and adding the command correspondingto the selected icon and its parameter, if inputted in the edit screen,to the command buffer of the object provided at the user terminal. 6.The method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of convertingthe document edited or created on the edit screen to code written in anextensible markup language, and displaying the code on the userterminal.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein: the extensible markuplanguage is a hypertext markup language (HTML); the document edited orcreated is converted to an HTML rendered document; and execution of theapplication in the user terminal further includes providing: a seconduser-input configured to designate a conversion method for convertingthe HTML rendered document into raster image data, and a method elementconfigured to convert the HTML rendered document into the raster imagedata and send the converted raster image data to the printer;converting, at the user terminal, the HTML rendered document into theraster image data by use of the method element, according to theconversion method designated by the second user-input.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 5, further comprising a step of converting a firstportion of the document edited or created on the edit screen to a printpreview, and displaying the print preview on the user terminal.
 9. Themethod according to claim 5, further comprising a step of displaying abutton for sending the document to the printer having the addressdesignated by the address property element.